FDA Recalls Over 1.5 Million Bags of Shredded Cheese Due to Metal Contamination Injury

Consumers at Risk from Great Lakes Cheese Products Distributed Across Major Retailers Like Walmart and Target

More than 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese have been pulled from store shelves following a recall ordered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The affected cheese products, manufactured by Great Lakes Cheese Co., were sold at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and others across more than 30 states and Puerto Rico.

The reason behind the recall? The possibility of metal fragments contaminating the cheese which can pose immediate risks to consumers. While no confirmed injuries have been made public, ingesting metal pieces can cause mouth injuries, gastrointestinal issues, and in severe cases, internal damage that may require surgery.

This incident highlights a growing concern in the U.S. food system. With more than 83,000 recalls over the past decade, consumers are left wondering whether the products they purchase are truly safe. For those who may have consumed these recalled cheese products and experienced symptoms, the consequences can be more than discomfort—they can lead to significant medical issues and potential legal claims.

Which Cheese Products Are Affected?

The recall applies to multiple shredded cheese blends produced by Great Lakes Cheese Co.

These include popular mixes such as:

• Mozzarella
• Provolone
• Asiago
• Italian-style blends

These products were distributed to large grocery retailers, including:

• Walmart
• Target
• Publix
• Kroger
• And numerous regional chains across 30+ states and Puerto Rico

The packaging included various store-brand labels, not always marked as “Great Lakes Cheese.” This means many consumers may have purchased these products unknowingly, assuming the brand was a safe private-label offering.

Consumers who bought any type of shredded cheese in recent weeks are being advised to check the FDA recall list, lot numbers, and expiration dates. If a product matches a recalled lot, it should be discarded immediately.

Why the Recall Was Issued & Understanding the Risk

The danger prompting this large-scale recall is the potential presence of metal fragments in the shredded cheese. Even small pieces of metal can pose serious risks when ingested. These include:

• Cuts to the mouth, tongue, or throat
• Damage to teeth
• Lacerations or punctures in the digestive tract
• Internal bleeding
• Infections
• Emergency surgical intervention

The FDA elevated the initial October warning to a higher-level recall in December, signaling a more urgent threat. The agency has not disclosed how the contamination was discovered or whether consumers had reported injuries. However, the seriousness of issuing a Class I recall, the most urgent category, implies a strong potential for harm.

Such contamination usually occurs during manufacturing. A broken machine part or improper maintenance may cause metal shavings or fragments to enter the product during the shredding or packaging process. These defects should be caught by quality control procedures, and failure to do so opens the door for potential liability.

Food Recalls in the U.S. – A System Under Strain

This shredded cheese recall is not an isolated event. The U.S. food safety system regularly issues dozens of new recall notices each month. Current FDA recall notices include contaminated:

• Beef bowls
• Ice cream
• Snack crackers
• Whiskey pecans
• Bakery products

From 2014 to 2024, the FDA oversaw recalls for over 83,000 regulated food products. Recalls fall into three categories:

• Class I: Serious risk of injury or death (e.g., metal contamination, listeria)
• Class II: Potential for temporary or reversible effects
• Class III: Minor labeling or packaging errors unlikely to cause health issues

The shredded cheese recall falls under Class I, placing it in the highest-risk category. This shows that the potential harm to consumers is considered immediate and significant.

Common Causes of Food Recalls

Recalls are usually triggered by one of several types of hazards:

1. Physical Contaminants – Foreign objects like metal, glass, or plastic that can injure or kill if swallowed.

2. Bacterial or Viral Contamination – Pathogens like Listeria, E. coli, or Salmonella that can cause severe illness or death, especially in children, seniors, or immunocompromised individuals.

3. Allergen Mislabeling – Failure to list allergens such as peanuts, shellfish, milk, or gluten can be deadly for those with allergies.

5. Chemical Contamination – Residue from cleaning agents, pesticides, or other industrial substances.
6. Manufacturing Defects or Equipment Failures – Machine malfunction or poor facility maintenance may result in harmful contamination — like in the case of the Great Lakes Cheese products.

What Consumers Should Do After a Recall

If you purchased any affected shredded cheese product, it should not be consumed. The FDA recommends the following steps:

• Check product packaging against recall details.
• Do not taste or sample the product.
• Discard the product or return it to the retailer.
• If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Possible symptoms after consuming metal-contaminated food include:

• Pain while swallowing
• Mouth or throat cuts
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Fever, fatigue, or signs of internal bleeding

Anyone experiencing symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. If medical care was required due to a recalled food product, there may be grounds for a legal claim.

Legal Options for People Harmed by Contaminated Food Products

Consumers harmed by defective or contaminated food products have the right to pursue compensation. Under U.S. product liability law, manufacturers, distributors, and sometimes retailers may be held legally responsible.

Potential legal claims include:

• Product Liability: If the food was unsafe due to contamination or manufacturing defects.
• Negligence: If the company failed to follow safety protocols or perform adequate inspections.
• Breach of Warranty: If the product was marketed as safe for consumption but caused harm.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one dies as a result of ingesting the contaminated product.

Victims may be entitled to damages covering:

• Medical bills
• Hospitalization and surgery costs
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term health effects
• Punitive damages (in severe cases)

Holding food manufacturers accountable can prevent similar errors and force improvements in food safety practices.

Why Food Safety Failures Demand Legal Action

Food safety is not just a quality control issue—it’s a public health issue. Consumers place their trust in companies and government agencies to ensure that what they eat is safe.

When a manufacturer distributes contaminated food, the result can be far-reaching:

• Children may suffer long-term injuries.
• Elderly individuals may face life-threatening complications.
• Working adults may lose income while recovering.
• Entire families can be affected emotionally and financially.

Filing a lawsuit may be the only way to obtain justice and financial support for recovery. Legal action can also pressure negligent companies to reform their practices.

A recall of this scale, more than 1.5 million bags, raises serious questions about how contamination escaped detection for so long. Legal claims will likely examine whether Great Lakes Cheese Co. had proper inspection procedures and whether the FDA’s oversight mechanisms functioned as intended.

Shredded Cheese Recall Lawsuit FAQs

What health risks are associated with the recalled shredded cheese?

The FDA has warned that the cheese may contain metal fragments. These can cause mouth and throat injuries, internal bleeding, damage to organs, or even require surgery. Consuming these contaminated products poses a serious health threat.

How do I know if I purchased a recalled product?

Check the lot numbers, brand names, and product codes against the FDA’s published recall list. Many store brands were affected, including those sold at Walmart, Target, and other major retailers. If in doubt, do not eat the product and consult the recall notice.

Can I sue if I was injured by the recalled cheese?

Yes. If you experienced pain, illness, or required medical care after consuming one of these products, you may be eligible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. An attorney can evaluate your case and determine your legal options.

What kind of compensation could I receive from a lawsuit?

Compensation may include reimbursement for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. In cases involving severe injury or negligence, punitive damages may also apply.

Does this recall mean the company is automatically at fault?

Not automatically, but issuing a recall is often a sign that a defect or contamination occurred due to a lapse in safety protocols. A legal investigation can reveal whether the company followed proper procedures or ignored signs of risk.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or someone in your household was harmed after consuming shredded cheese that is now under FDA recall, you may have the right to pursue a legal claim for compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is currently investigating these cases on behalf of victims nationwide.

Our legal team is ready to review your situation, answer your questions, and help you seek the compensation you deserve. There is no cost to speak with us.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.

Parker Waichman LLP – Fighting for Food Safety and Consumer Justice Across the U.S.