Peanut butter recall extends to 40 states
More than 20,000 Ventura-brand peanut butter products have been recalled in 40 states due to the risk of plastic contamination.
Cottage cheese sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand is currently under recall in 24 states, with officials saying the cheese may not have been properly pasteurized.
The problem was discovered by the cheese manufacturer, Saputo Cheese USA, during a “pasteurizer troubleshooting exercise,” according to a recall notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Officials said they discovered during the exercise that “liquid dairy ingredients used in the products may not have been fully pasteurized in accordance with state regulatory standards.”
The cottage cheese was sold under Walmart’s “Great Value” label in 24 states from February 17 to February 20, according to the FDA.
“The affected pasteurizer equipment has returned to normal function and has been verified and sealed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture,” officials said. Customers who purchased affected products should not consume the product and return it to Walmart for a full refund.
Here’s what you need to know:
What kind of cottage cheese from Walmart is being recalled?
According to the recall notice, the following types of Walmart cottage cheese are being recalled:
- Great value non-fat small curd cottage cheese, 0% milk fat
- Great value low fat small curd cottage cheese, 2% milk fat
- Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese, Minimum 4% Milk Fat
- 16 oz container, 24 oz container, 3 lb container
Where was the recalled cottage cheese sold?
According to the FDA, the cheese was sold at Walmart stores 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.
What happens if you eat unpasteurized cheese?
According to the Mayo Clinic, pasteurization means “a treatment to kill bacteria.” Therefore, cheese that has not been properly pasteurized can contain bacteria that are dangerous to people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women, infants, and young children.
The FDA said as of February 25, no illnesses or hospitalizations related to the recall had been reported.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
