Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. has issued a recall for approximately 5,000 pouches of Happy Farms Colby Jack shredded cheese due to potential metal contamination. This recall affects products distributed to Aldi stores in Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
The company initiated the recall voluntarily on February 15, 2025, after discovering the presence of stainless steel fragments in the cheese. The recall was subsequently classified as a Class II risk by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 19, meaning while the likelihood of serious adverse effects is low, there is still a potential for temporary or reversible health issues associated with the consumption of the affected products.
The affected product can be identified by several key details: consumers should check for batch number 8679653, item number 170374, UPC 4061463330840, and the lot numbers with expiration dates of July 13 and July 14, 2025. If you have purchased any of these cheese pouches, the FDA advises against consuming them. Instead, you should dispose of the product or return it to any Aldi store for a full refund or replacement.
Interestingly, this recall isn't the first this year from Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. The company also withdrew Our Family American Cheese Slices on January 16, 2025, citing a flavor discrepancy, though that incident did not pose a food safety issue.
The contamination issue is significant as food recalls often occur to ensure consumer safety when a product is deemed likely to pose health risks. According to a report by Trace One, between 2020 and 2024, the presence of foreign objects like metal and plastic in food accounted for about 10 percent of recalls issued by U.S. health authorities, namely the FDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
In 2024 alone, there were notable instances of contamination leading to significant recalls, including over 100,000 pounds of turkey kielbasa products that were found to have bone fragments, which affected consumers. Furthermore, plastic fragments were discovered in boneless chicken bites in December 2023, leading to the recall of more than 25,000 pounds of that product.
Trace One's report highlights concerns over foreign objects in food, illustrating that these contaminants can result in physical harm ranging from choking to internal injuries if consumed. This speaks to broader trends in food safety and the increasing vigilance needed from both consumers and manufacturers.
In response to this latest recall, consumers are reminded of the importance of regularly checking their food supplies for potentially hazardous products. The FDA recommends that consumers stay well-informed about recalls and check packaging details before consumption. If any recalled products are found in the household, the FDA suggests following specific instructions provided in the recall notices. These generally include discarding the product or returning it to the store where it was purchased.
The ongoing concerns surrounding food safety emphasize the need for awareness both on the part of producers and consumers. As food recall incidents continue to rise, it remains essential to monitor issued alerts and to take the necessary steps to ensure health and safety. Consumers should remain vigilant about checking packaging and ingredient information, staying informed through reliable sources.
As food safety regulations and protocols continue to evolve, the industry must navigate these challenges to maintain consumer trust and safety. Contacts have been made to Aldi for further comment regarding the recall, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
