Saputo Cheese USA Inc. announced a voluntary recall on February 24, 2026, for certain Great Value cottage cheese products sold at Walmart stores and distribution centers across numerous states, including 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. The recall affects select cottage cheese items distributed between February 17 and February 20, 2026, because the liquid dairy ingredients used may not have been fully pasteurized in accordance with state regulatory standards. No illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported so far, but consuming inadequately pasteurized dairy products can present serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

The problem came to light during pasteurizer troubleshooting conducted by Saputo in collaboration with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The affected products, all packaged in white plastic tubs with white lids and “Best If Used By” dates printed on the side of the lids, include:

– Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese (0% Milkfat) in 24 oz. containers (UPC 078742373393) with Best By dates of April 1 or April 3, 2026.
– Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese (2% Milkfat) in 24 oz. containers (UPC 078742116730) with Best By dates of April 1, 2, or 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 with Best By dates of April 1, 2, or 3, 2026.

The implicated pasteurizer has since been restored to normal operation, verified, and sealed by regulators, and no other products from the facility are impacted. Consumers who bought these items are advised not to eat them and to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional details, contact Saputo at 1-888-587-2423, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. The recall is being conducted with the awareness of the Food and Drug Administration. Saputo USA, part of the global Saputo Inc., is a major dairy processor specializing in various cheeses and dairy products sold under its own and private labels.