Walmart issues major cottage cheese recall, saying the product poses a ‘significant health risk’

Walmart has issued a major recall for its popular Great Value Cottage Cheese, with officials saying it could pose a “significant health risk” after it was found the ingredients were not fully pasteurized.

The voluntary recall, issued Tuesday by Milwaukee-based Saputo Cheese, said the liquid dairy ingredients used in the cottage chase may not have been pasteurized — a widely-used heating process that kills harmful germs — to state regulatory standards. While no illnesses were reported, people who eat products that aren’t fully pasteurized, also known as “raw,” can lead to significant health risks, the Federal Drug Administration said, especially those who are young, elderly or immunocompromised.

The cottage cheese, in red and white or blue and white plastic tubs with white lids, was sold under the Great Value label. Containers were distributed to Walmart stores and distribution centers in two dozen states. A full list of where the containers were sold can be found below:

Where was the cottage cheese sold?

The containers were distributed to Walmart stores and distribution centers in the following states:

• Alaska
• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisana
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• Montana
• New Mexico
• Nevada
• Oregon
• Texas
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Washington
• Wyoming

The cottage cheeses were produced between Feb. 17 and Feb, 20, 2026, and include both 24 ounce and 12 ounce containers.

Which cottage cheese was recalled?

A full list of products and their UPC codes can be found below, with the “Best By” dates located on the side of the lids.

According to the recall announcement, the problem was discovered during a “pasteurizer troubleshooting exercise.” The impacted pasteurizer was returned to normal function and was verified and sealed, officials said.

“Customers who purchased the affected products should not consume them and either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund,” the recall announcement from the FDA and Saputo said.

In a post titled “The Dangers of Raw Milk,” the FDA stressed that raw milk or foods made with raw milk could be harmful.

“Raw milk can carry dangerous germs such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and others that cause foodborne illness, often called ‘food poisoning,'” the FDA said. These germs can seriously injure the health of anyone who drinks raw milk or eats products made from raw milk.”

The FDA goes on to say that the germs could be especially dangerous to those with weakened immune systems, children, older adults and pregnant women.

“In fact, CDC finds that foodborne illness from raw milk especially affects children and teenagers,” the FDA said.

More information about the Great Value recall can be found here.