Walmart Issues Multi State Recall for Great Value Cottage Cheese Over Pasteurization Concerns

Saputo Cheese USA recalls Great Value cottage cheese sold at Walmart due to pasteurization issues. Find out if your state is affected by this 2026 dairy alert.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 8:41 AM EST

Source: People

Scope of the Recall and Affected Regions

The recall targets specific batches of Great Value cottage cheese sold at Walmart retail locations and distribution centers between February 17 and February 20, 2026. The geographic reach is extensive, covering nearly half of the United States. Affected states include major markets such as California, Texas, and Illinois, as well as several states across the Pacific Northwest, the South, and the Midwest.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has highlighted that the failure to complete the pasteurization process poses a serious health risk. Without proper heat treatment, dairy products can harbor dangerous pathogens, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. As of late February 2026, no illnesses have been officially reported in connection with this specific batch, but health officials are urging immediate caution.

Detailed Product Identifiers for Consumers

To assist customers in identifying the compromised products, Walmart and Saputo have released specific UPC codes and "Best If Used By" dates. The recall includes the 24-ounce containers of Fat Free Small Curd and Lowfat (2%) Small Curd varieties, as well as multiple sizes of the standard Small Curd (4%) variety, ranging from 16-ounce tubs to 3-pound bulk containers. All affected products bear "Best If Used By" dates falling between April 1 and April 3, 2026.

TRANSFORMATIVE ANALYSIS: This incident highlights the critical nature of the "co-packing" relationship in the grocery industry. While the product is branded under Walmart’s "Great Value" name, the liability and operational failure lie with the producer, Saputo Cheese USA. For Walmart, such recalls present a dual challenge: managing the logistics of a 24-state removal while protecting the reputation of its most prominent budget-friendly brand. The short window of sale (just four days) suggests that the supply chain tracking worked efficiently to isolate the error quickly.