MILWAUKEE, WI (February 25, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of select Great Value cottage cheese products after finding that they may not have been fully pasteurized in line with state regulatory standards. As a result, Saputo Cheese USA Inc. initiated the recall after internal testing identified a potential processing issue that could pose health risks to consumers, according to the FDA.
So far, regulators have reported no illnesses or hospitalizations. However, unpasteurized dairy products can increase the risk of foodborne illness, particularly for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Great Value recall: quick summary
Saputo Cheese USA is recalling specific Great Value cottage cheese products sold at Walmart stores across multiple U.S. states after discovering that it did not fully pasteurize certain liquid dairy ingredients. According to the FDA, the company identified the issue during routine pasteurizer troubleshooting conducted with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. As a result, Saputo distributed affected products between February 17 and February 20, 2026. In response, the company urges consumers not to eat the products and to return them to the place of purchase or dispose of them for a full refund.
Official recall details
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Recall date: February 24, 2026 (published by FDA on February 25, 2026)
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Announced by: Food and Drug Administration
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Company: Saputo Cheese USA Inc.
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Brand: Great Value
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Product: Cottage cheese (multiple varieties and sizes)
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Issue: Products may not have been fully pasteurized
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Product details: 16 oz., 24 oz., and 3 lb. white plastic tubs with white lids; “Best If Used By” dates from April 1–3, 2026
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Consumer action: Do not consume; return to place of purchase or dispose of safely
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Stick around to find out more about this recall.
What happened?
Saputo Cheese USA initiated the recall after discovering that it may not have fully pasteurized the liquid dairy ingredients used in certain cottage cheese products, the FDA said. The company told regulators it became aware of the issue during pasteurizer troubleshooting exercises conducted with the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
The recall was announced on February 24, 2026, in coordination with the FDA and Walmart, where the affected products were sold under the Great Value label. Distribution included stores and distribution centers 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.
In its recall alert, the FDA warned that products not fully pasteurized pose a significant health risk, especially to young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.
Affected products
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best by date | Issue | Affected states |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Great Value | Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese (0%) | 24 oz | 078742373393 | Apr 1, Apr 3, 2026 | Not fully pasteurized | Multiple states |
Great Value | Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese (2%) | 24 oz | 078742116730 | Apr 1–3, 2026 | Not fully pasteurized | Multiple states |
Great Value | Small Curd Cottage Cheese (4%) | 16 oz, 24 oz, 3 lb | Various | Apr 1–3, 2026 | Not fully pasteurized | Multiple states |
What caused the issue?
According to the FDA notice, equipment testing revealed a deviation in the pasteurization process that triggered the recall. Pasteurization plays a critical role in killing harmful bacteria in dairy products. The agency confirmed that children, seniors, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk, even though no illnesses have been reported. Potential symptoms of exposure include stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and nausea.
Questions you might have
Monitor for symptoms like nausea, fever, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop or if you are in a high-risk group.
Check the brand (Great Value), container size, UPC, and “Best If Used By” dates listed in the recall. All affected tubs are white with white lids.
Symptoms may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk.
No. Freezing does not eliminate bacteria present due to incomplete pasteurization. Do not consume.
Products were sold at Walmart stores and distribution centers across multiple U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, and Washington.
No. The recall is specific to human consumption; pets may also be at risk from unpasteurized dairy.
Return the product to Walmart or contact Saputo at 1-888-587-2423 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT).
No. Only specific UPCs, sizes, and “Best If Used By” dates listed in the recall are impacted.
According to Saputo and the FDA, no illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported to date.
Here’s what you should do
- Do not consume the recalled cottage cheese.
- Check the “Best If Used By” date printed on the side of the lid.
- Return the product to Walmart for a full refund or dispose of it safely.
- For questions, contact Saputo at 1-888-587-2423 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT).
Behind the brand
Saputo Cheese USA is part of Saputo Inc., one of the world’s top 10 dairy processors, producing and distributing a wide range of cheese and dairy products in the U.S. The company’s recall notice states that it has “returned the impacted pasteurizer to normal function” and is working closely with regulators. Source86 reached out to Saputo for additional comment, but has not yet received a response.
Other relevant recalls
This recall follows several recent cases involving pasteurization or heat-treatment issues in dairy products. Examples include Ohio Dairy, which recalled chocolate milk after discovering it had not been properly pasteurized. Food safety experts say these incidents highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring consistent pasteurization across large-scale dairy production.
“It is important that anyone planning to consume raw milk be aware that doing so can make you sick and that pasteurization reduces the risk of milk‑borne illnesses,” said Patrick E. Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Health and Risk Communication Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. “Unpasteurized dairy products can expose people to germs such as *Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, Brucella, and Salmonella.”
Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said the recall underscores a broader industry concern:
“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital transparency and supplier accountability are.”
Ensuring safe eats
This recall highlights the critical role of pasteurization and process verification in dairy manufacturing. Even small equipment failures can affect large distribution networks.
At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, oversee FSQA programs, and run private label production with transparency and precision, so supply chains can respond quickly when recalls happen. Contact us.
