Shoppers who recently purchased Great Value cottage cheese at Walmart stores across two dozen states should check their refrigerators. A recall published by The Food and Drug Administration says the product might not meet pasteurization standards and could pose a significant health risk, particularly to children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
Saputo Cheese USA Inc. announced the voluntary recall Tuesday after discovering that liquid dairy ingredients used in manufacturing may not have been fully pasteurized in accordance with state regulatory standards. The Food and Drug Administration published the announcement Wednesday. No illnesses or hospitalizations associated with the recalled products have been reported, the company said.
The affected products were distributed to Walmart stores and distribution centers between Feb. 17 and Feb. 20 in 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.
Saputo said the problem was discovered during pasteurizer troubleshooting exercises conducted in conjunction with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The impacted pasteurizer has since been returned to normal function and was verified and sealed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The company said no other products made at the facility were affected.
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Three varieties are covered by the recall, all sold in white plastic tubs with white lids. The “Best If Used By” dates are printed on the side of each lid.
| Product | Size | UPC | Best If Used By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese, 0% Milkfat | 24 oz. | 078742373393 | April 1, April 3, 2026 |
| Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese, 2% Milkfat | 24 oz. | 078742116730 | April 1, April 2, April 3, 2026 |
| Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese, 4% milkfat minimum | 16 oz. | 078742372358 | April 2, 2026 |
| 24 oz. | 078742372365 | April 2, April 3, 2026 | |
| 3 lb. | 078742147970 | April 1, April 2, 2026 |
Customers who purchased the affected products should not consume them. They should either discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Saputo has established a consumer hotline at 1-888-587-2423, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.
Saputo Cheese USA Inc., based in Milwaukee, is a subsidiary of Saputo Inc., one of the world’s top 10 dairy processors. According to product labeling, the cottage cheese is distributed by Walmart Inc. of Bentonville, Ark.
What to check
- Look for “Great Value” brand cottage cheese in white, pink, blue or red plastic tubs.
- Check the “Best If Used By” date on the side of the lid — dates of April 1, 2, or 3, 2026 are affected.
- Verify the UPC code: 078742373393 · 078742116730 · 078742372358 · 078742372365 · 078742147970.
- Do not consume the product. Return it to Walmart for a full refund or discard it.
- For questions, call Saputo at 1-888-587-2423, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT.
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