Something you purchased has been recalled. What does that mean?
What happens if something you purchase is recalled? Is it voluntary or mandatory? And what does it mean for you?
Shredded cheese sold under various brand names at popular grocery stores such as Target, Walmart and Aldi is being recalled because it may contain metal fragments.
The recall was initiated by Ohio-based Great Lakes Cheese Co. on Oct. 3 and was ongoing as of Dec. 1, according to a recently updated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report. The agency classified the recall as “Class II,” meaning the food in question “may cause temporary or medically reversible health damage.”
The recalled cheese products were a mix that was sold in 31 states under a variety of brand names, including store brands such as Good & Gather, Great Value, Publix, Sprouts and Happy Farms.
The warning says the metal pieces can cause injury if eaten. Great Lakes Cheese Co. told USA TODAY in a Dec. 3 statement that all affected products have been removed from store shelves and replaced with new products.
“Additionally, the products currently in retail stores are safe to consume and are unrelated to the October recall,” the company said. “Although the enforcement report marks the recall status as ongoing, our records indicate that all products have been permanently removed from store shelves.”
However, the affected cheese may still be in the customer’s refrigerator. Here’s what you need to know about the recall and where the cheese was sold.
See a map of states where the recalled shredded cheese was sold
Which shredded cheeses have been recalled?
What to do with recalled cheese
Great Lake Cheese Co. said households that may have stored any of the affected products in their refrigerators or freezers since October should either throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund.
