Great Lakes Cheese Co. recalls Happy Farms Colby Jack Cheese

Date Issued: February 15, 2025
Company: Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc.
Product: Happy Farms by ALDI Colby Jack Finely Shredded Cheese
Issue: Potential contamination with stainless steel fragments
Product Details: 12 oz (340g) flexible plastic stand-up pouches, UPC: 4061463330840, Best by dates: July 13 and 14, 2025
Action: Consumers advised not to consume the product; return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard it

Shall we learn more about this? Keep on reading!

What happened?

On February 15, 2025, Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc., based in Hiram, Ohio, initiated a recall of 400 cases (approximately 4,800 pouches) of their Happy Farms by ALDI Colby Jack Finely Shredded Cheese. The recall was prompted by the potential contamination of the product with stainless steel fragments, discovered during routine quality assurance checks.

The affected product was distributed exclusively by ALDI to distributors in Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Product Details:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Dates	Issue
Happy Farms by ALDI	Colby Jack Finely Shredded Cheese	12 oz (340g)	4061463330840	July 13 and 14, 2025	Potential stainless steel contamination

What caused the issue?

The recall was initiated due to the presence of stainless steel fragments in the shredded cheese. This contamination likely occurred during processing, where metal equipment is used for shredding and packaging.

Potential health risks

Foreign objects in food—especially hard materials like metal—pose serious health concerns:

Mouth & Throat Injuries: Sharp fragments can cause cuts, irritation, or punctures in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
Dental Damage: Hard metal pieces can break or chip teeth, leading to expensive dental procedures.
Gastrointestinal Issues: If swallowed, metal fragments can cause stomach pain, internal bleeding, or perforations in the intestines.
Choking Hazard: Small metal pieces can pose a choking risk, especially for children and elderly individuals.

Who’s most at risk?

Children & Infants: Higher risk of choking and injury due to small airways.
Elderly Individuals: More vulnerable to dental damage or digestive injuries.
Individuals with Pre-Existing Conditions: People with digestive issues or swallowing difficulties are at higher risk.

Symptoms to watch for

If someone has consumed the affected cheese, they should watch for the following symptoms:

Pain in the mouth, throat, or stomach
Difficulty swallowing
Bleeding in the mouth
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Vomiting or nausea

If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

10 common questions you might have

How do I know if I have the recalled cheese?
- Check the packaging for UPC 4061463330840 and Best By dates July 13 and 14, 2025.
What should I do if I already ate some?
- If you feel fine, there’s likely no immediate concern, but monitor for symptoms like pain, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing. Seek medical help if needed.
Can I just remove any metal pieces I find and still eat the cheese?
- No! The fragments may not be visible, and consuming the product still carries a risk.
Will ALDI give me a refund?
- Yes! You can return the affected product to the store for a full refund.
Has anyone reported injuries from this recall?
- No injuries have been reported yet, but caution is advised.
How did metal end up in the cheese?
- Likely from the shredding or packaging machinery during production.
Is it safe to buy other cheese from ALDI?
- Yes! Only the affected batch is impacted. However, always check recall notices.
Can I cook or melt the cheese to remove the risk?
- No! Heat won’t remove metal fragments. The cheese should not be consumed.
How do I report an issue if I think I found metal in my cheese?
- Contact Great Lakes Cheese Co. at 1-800-677-7181 or report it to the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal.
Is this recall connected to other recent recalls?
- There have been previous recalls for metal contamination in cheese, including Great Lakes Cheese’s 2019 American cheese recall.

Here’s what you should do

Check Your Refrigerator: Look for Happy Farms by ALDI Colby Jack Finely Shredded Cheese in 12 oz (340g) pouches.
Verify Product Details: Confirm the UPC (4061463330840) and Best By dates (July 13 and 14, 2025) on the packaging.
Do Not Consume: If you have the affected product, do not eat it.
Dispose or Return: Throw it away safely or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
Contact for More Information: Call Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. at 1-800-677-7181.

Behind the brand

Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. is a well-known cheese manufacturer based in Hiram, Ohio. They supply various cheese products to retailers across the U.S. Unfortunately, similar recalls have occurred these past months. For instance, on February 21, 2025, Shearer’s Foods voluntarily initiated a recall of over 15,000 cases of oyster crackers due to potential contamination with stainless steel wire fragments. On January 11, 2025, Bestway Sandwiches Inc., based in Valencia, CA, issued a recall for 24,870 pounds of its frozen Casa Mamita Chicken & Cheese Taquitos due to possible contamination with metal fragments. As well as Idaho Smokehouse Partners, that recalled their Chomps Beef Sticks due to metal contamination.

“Proper recall management starts well before a problem occurs. Implementing strong tracking systems and fostering reliable supplier relationships are essential to addressing recalls quickly and effectively.” – Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

Food recalls like this remind us why strict food safety measures matter. Contamination incidents can cause health risks and erode consumer trust. To prevent such issues, companies should: