Saputo Cheese USA Inc. has voluntarily recalled select Great Value cottage cheese products after discovering that liquid dairy ingredients may not have been fully pasteurized according to state regulatory standards. The recall was announced on February 24, 2026, and affects cottage cheese distributed to Walmart stores across 24 states between February 17 and February 20, 2026. No illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported.
What’s Being Recalled?
Three varieties of Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese are affected, all sold in white plastic tubs with Best By dates printed on the lid:
Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 0% Milkfat (24 oz., UPC 078742373393), Best By April 1 and April 3, 2026.
Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 2% Milkfat (24 oz., UPC 078742116730), Best By April 1, April 2, and April 3, 2026.
Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 4% Milkfat Minimum in 16 oz. (UPC 078742372358), 24 oz. (UPC 078742372365), and 3 lb. (UPC 078742147970) containers, Best By April 1, April 2, and April 3, 2026.
Products were distributed to Walmart locations 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.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
The problem was discovered during pasteurizer troubleshooting exercises conducted by Saputo alongside the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Consuming dairy that is not fully pasteurized poses a significant health risk—particularly for young children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems—as unpasteurized dairy can harbor dangerous bacteria including Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. The faulty pasteurizer has since been repaired, verified, and sealed by state regulators. No other products from the facility are affected.
What Should You Do?
Do not consume any of the recalled Great Value cottage cheese products. Return them to your nearest Walmart for a full refund or dispose of them immediately. Check the Best By date on the lid and the UPC code on the container to confirm whether your product is included. For questions, contact Saputo at 1-888-587-2423, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.
