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Article Summary
A cottage cheese recall is affecting Walmart products sold across multiple states, including the Greater Cincinnati area. The USDA-linked recall involves Great Value cottage cheese potentially under-pasteurized and poses a health risk for vulnerable consumers. Officials have not confirmed any illnesses and they also urge residents to check their refrigerators and return or dispose of affected items. Local health guidance emphasizes caution and awareness.
Cottage cheese recall may affect families in Cincinnati.
The cottage cheese recall involves specific Walmart products sold under the Great Value brand.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists the recall for select cottage cheese that Saputo Cheese USA Inc. produced because the company may not have fully pasteurized liquid dairy ingredients.
Local grocery shoppers in the Greater Cincinnati area should check nearby stores, as they may carry the affected batches. Walmart retail outlets in 24 states received the recalled items between February 17 and February 20, 2026.
Federal officials warn that harmful bacteria can survive when manufacturers fail to fully pasteurize dairy products, increasing health risks — especially for children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Authorities have not confirmed any illnesses or hospitalizations linked to these cottage cheese products so far, but they urge consumers to remain cautious.
Residents should not eat any of the recalled products and should instead return them to the point of purchase or dispose of them safely.
What products are part of the recall
The cottage cheese products included in this recall were sold under the Great Value label in various sizes and milkfat levels. These include:
- Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese — 0% Milkfat
- Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese — 2% Milkfat
- Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese — 4% milkfat minimum
Containers range from 16-ounce tubs to 3-pound containers, all with “Best If Used By” dates in early April 2026.
The recalled items carry specific UPCs and date information printed on the lids for easy identification. Consumers should compare any similar product in their homes against the official descriptions.
Safety concerns and health guidance
The USDA and FDA recommend erring on the side of caution with under-pasteurized dairy products. Specifically, pasteurization is the process of using heat to kill pathogens in milk or dairy ingredients. However, if that process was incomplete, harmful bacteria could remain.
As a result, health experts warn that consuming such products may lead to foodborne illness in sensitive groups, even if no cases have been reported yet.
Meanwhile, families in Cincinnati should also note that other recent dairy recalls — such as those involving shredded cheese with metal fragments or Listeria warnings — have occurred, underscoring the importance of verifying product safety labels before consumption. In addition, local health departments may post updates or alerts if new information arises.
How shoppers should respond
Shoppers who purchased the recalled cottage cheese should:
- Stop eating the product immediately.
- Return it to the store where it was bought for a refund.
- Dispose of it properly if returning is not convenient.
For additional help or questions, consumers can contact Saputo’s customer service line on weekdays, as listed in the recall notice.
Here is the official list of the 24 states where the recalled Great Value cottage cheese was distributed to Walmart locations:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
What this means for Cincinnati households
The cottage cheese recall is a reminder of how important safe food production and handling are — especially for products purchased by families. Cincinnati residents who regularly buy Great Value products should double-check their refrigerators for recall labels matching the descriptions.
Although pasteurization issues are rare, they can occur, and distributing products without full compliance with state standards may increase consumer risk. Health authorities urge vigilance and fast action to reduce any possible harm.
FAQs
What caused the cottage cheese recall affecting Cincinnati shoppers?
The cottage cheese recall was issued because certain liquid dairy ingredients may not have been fully pasteurized during production. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, incomplete pasteurization can allow harmful bacteria to survive. Although no illnesses have been reported, officials are urging caution.
Which brand is involved in the recall?
The recall involves Great Value cottage cheese products sold at Walmart stores. The affected items were produced by Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and distributed to multiple states, including Ohio. Shoppers should check package labels and “Best If Used By” dates carefully.
Are there any confirmed illnesses linked to this dairy recall?
At this time, no illnesses or hospitalizations have been confirmed in connection with the recalled products. However, health agencies stress that foodborne illness symptoms can sometimes take time to appear. Vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals should be especially cautious.
What should Cincinnati residents do if they purchased the recalled cottage cheese?
Consumers should stop eating the product immediately. They can return it to the store for a refund or dispose of it safely if returning is not possible. Keeping the container for reference may help verify UPC codes and date markings.
Why is pasteurization important in dairy products?
Pasteurization is a heating process that kills potentially harmful bacteria in milk and dairy products. If the process is incomplete, pathogens such as Salmonella or Listeria could remain in the food. That is why federal regulators treat under-pasteurization concerns seriously, even when no illnesses have been reported.
