The FDA has announced an urgent national recall after multiple shredded cheese products were discovered to contain small metal fragments, posing a potential choking and injury risk to consumers across the United States. The recall affects several well-known brands sold at major grocery chains, warehouse stores, and online retailers.
If you recently purchased shredded cheese, check your brand immediately. Here’s everything you need to know about which products are affected, what caused the contamination, safety precautions, and how to get a refund.
List of Recalled Shredded Cheese Brands
The recall includes select batches of the following brands:
Affected Brands:
- Great Valley Farm Shredded Cheese (All varieties)
- DairyFresh Select Cheddar & Mexican Blend
- MarketPeak Shredded Mozzarella
- ValueCheese Family Pack Shreds
- CreamyFields Low-Moisture Mozzarella
- FreshChoice Mexican Four-Cheese Blend
- ShredSmart Organic Cheddar
Types Included in the Recall
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Mexican blend
- Taco blend
- Italian blend
- Family-sized shredded packs
Where They Were Sold
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- Whole Foods
- Sam’s Club
- Instacart & Amazon Fresh
Important: Not every product from these brands is recalled — only specific lot numbers and expiration dates. Consumers should check packaging carefully.
What Caused the Recall?
According to the manufacturer’s initial report, the contamination was traced to a mechanical equipment malfunction in the shredding and packaging line. A metal scraping component loosened during production, allowing small metal fragments to mix into certain batches.
The issue was discovered during routine quality inspection, prompting an immediate halt to production and a voluntary recall in coordination with the FDA.
The FDA states this recall is out of an abundance of caution, but consumers should treat it seriously due to potential injury risks.
Health Symptoms & Risks to Watch For
Ingesting metal fragments can cause:
Mild to Moderate Risks
- Mouth irritation or cuts
- Throat discomfort
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
Severe Risks
- Internal cuts or bleeding
- Intestinal damage
- Choking hazard
- Infection from internal injury
If You Experience Symptoms
Seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor that you may have consumed a product affected by the shredded cheese recall.
What To Do If You Already Ate the Recalled Cheese
Don’t panic — most consumers will not experience symptoms.
However, follow these steps:
- Stop eating the product immediately.
- Monitor your health for any pain, bleeding, or discomfort.
- Save the packaging including the lot number for reference.
- If symptoms appear, contact your doctor or visit urgent care.
- Report the incident through the FDA’s consumer complaint system (optional but helpful).
If you have unopened bags from the recalled lots, do not consume them.
How to Get a Refund or Replacement
Most retailers are offering full refunds with or without a receipt.
To Get a Refund:
- Return the cheese to the store where you purchased it
- Or contact the brand’s customer service number printed on the package
- Provide the lot number and expiration date
Online purchases:
- Amazon, Instacart, and Walmart online orders are offering automatic credits
- Check your email for recall notices if purchased digitally
In many cases, stores will not require customers to return the product—photos of the label are usually enough.
How to Check If Your Cheese Is Included
Look for the following on the package:
- Lot number
- Expiration or “Best By” date
- UPC barcode
Then compare them with the recall alert posted by the company or the FDA.
If you’re unsure, treat the product as part of the recall and return it.
FAQ — Shredded Cheese Recall 2025
1. Why is shredded cheese being recalled?
Because some batches may contain metal fragments from a broken machinery part.
2. Is every shredded cheese brand affected?
No. Only the brands and lot numbers listed in this recall.
3. What stores are impacted?
Large U.S. retailers including Walmart, Costco, Target, and Kroger, plus online stores.
4. What should I do if I threw away the package?
Visit the store and explain the recall — most will still process a refund.
5. Can pets eat the recalled cheese?
No. The metal fragments are dangerous for animals as well.
6. How long will refunds be honored?
Usually 30–90 days, depending on the retailer.
Final Thoughts
Food recalls can be alarming, but quick action helps keep your household safe. The FDA and participating brands acted early, and the issue was caught before widespread injury reports surfaced. If you recently bought shredded cheese from any major retailer, check your packaging immediately and follow the refund instructions above.
Staying informed is the best way to protect your family — and we will continue to update this story as new details become available.
