Great Value Cottage Cheese Recalled in 24 States Over Pasteurization Concern

Great Value Cottage Cheese Recalled in 24 States Over Pasteurization Concern

Canada-based dairy giant Saputo Cheese USA Inc. has issued a recall for select Great Value cottage cheese products sold at Walmart stores across 24 states after discovering a potential pasteurization issue.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, some of the liquid dairy ingredients used in the affected products may not have been heat-treated to meet state regulatory standards. The issue surfaced during routine pasteurizer troubleshooting. The equipment has since been inspected, verified, and sealed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and is now operating as expected.

What’s Being Recalled?

The recall covers multiple sizes and milkfat levels of Great Value cottage cheese, including:

• Fat Free (0%) Small Curd – 24 oz
  • UPC: 078742373393
  • Best if used by: April 1 and April 3, 2026
• Lowfat (2%) Small Curd – 24 oz
  • UPC: 078742116730
  • Best if used by: April 1, 2, and 3, 2026
• Small Curd (4%)
  • 16 oz (UPC: 078742372358) – Best by April 2, 2026
  • 24 oz (UPC: 078742372365) – Best by April 2 and 3, 2026
  • 3 lb (UPC: 078742147970) – Best by April 1 and 2, 2026

The products were packaged in pink, blue, or red plastic tubs with white lids. The best-by date is printed on the side of the lid.

Distribution took place between February 17 and February 20 in the following states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Why Pasteurization Matters

While no illnesses have been reported, regulators caution that consuming dairy that hasn’t been fully pasteurized can carry serious health risks. Raw or under-processed milk can harbor bacteria such as Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.

For most healthy adults, foodborne illness may mean a few unpleasant days. But for young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, complications can become severe.

Symptoms typically include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, and body aches. In rare cases, infections can lead to long-term or life-threatening health issues.

What Shoppers Should Do

If you have one of the affected containers in your fridge, don’t dig in. Toss it or return it to Walmart for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact Saputo at 1-888-587-2423, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.

Cottage cheese may be having a moment on social media, but this is one trend where checking the lid before scooping is absolutely worth it.

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