Great Value Cottage Cheese From Walmart Recalled for Possible Infection Risk
Health ConditionsInfectious DiseasesSalmonella
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Walmart Cottage Cheese Recalled in 24 States for Possible Infection Risk

Milk used to make some Great Value cottage cheese may not have been fully pasteurized, which means the product could harbor harmful bacteria.
Walmart Cottage Cheese Recalled in 24 States for Possible Infection Risk
FDA; Everyday Health
By
Published on February 27, 2026
by
A vendor for Walmart has recalled some lots of Great Value cottage cheese because the milk used may not have been fully pasteurized, according to an announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, which can pose serious risks to the very young, very old, people with weakened immune systems, and in some cases pregnant women.

No illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported to date related to the recall. The recall notice did not say any bacteria had been discovered in the cottage cheese products.

What Cottage Cheese Has Been Recalled?

Saputo Cheese USA discovered the pasteurization issue during routine equipment testing. The company has recalled the following products:

Product Name
Packaging Type & Size
UPC
Expiration Dates
Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 0% Milkfat
24 oz container
078742373393

BEST IF USED BY APR-01-26

BEST IF USED BY APR-03-26

Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 2% Milkfat
24 oz container
078742116730

BEST IF USED BY APR-01-26

BEST IF USED BY APR-02-26

BEST IF USED BY APR-03-26

Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 4% Milkfat Minimum
16 oz container
078742372358
BEST IF USED BY APR-02-26
24 oz container
078742372365

BEST IF USED BY APR-02-26

BEST IF USED BY APR-03-26

3 lb container
078742147970

BEST IF USED BY APR-01-26

BEST IF USED BY APR-02-26

The recalled cottage cheese was sold in 24 states between February 17 and February 20, 2026: 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.

If you have any of the recalled cottage cheese, do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to Walmart for a refund.

Food Poisoning Symptoms to Look Out For

Unpasteurized dairy can cause food poisoning. Symptoms may vary depending on the bacteria involved, but can include:


  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever

Most cases of food poisoning get better on their own within a week and can be treated at home with rest and lots of hydration.

If you’re experiencing high fever, severe diarrhea, or prolonged dehydration, you should seek immediate medical care.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Saputo USA Recalls Great Value Cottage Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. February 24, 2026.
  2. Food Safety and Raw Milk. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. March 5, 2024.
  3. Symptoms of Salmonella Infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 4, 2024.
  4. Symptoms of E. coli Infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 14, 2024.
  5. Symptoms of Listeria Infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 3, 2025.
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