Great Value® Cottage Cheese products were recalled at Walmart stores in 24 states because it may not be fully pasteurized, which poses a risk of food poisoning.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Great Value cottage cheese and Walmart food poisoning cases in all 50 states. If you got sick after eating cottage cheese that was recalled at Walmart, or if you’re concerned about potential exposure to unpasteurized dairy, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Great Value Cottage Cheese Recalled at Walmart for Pasteurization Risks
In February 2026, Saputo Cheese USA announced a recall for certain Great Value® Cottage Cheese products that were sold at Walmart stores and distribution centers in 24 states. No illnesses were reported, but the liquid dairy ingredients in the cottage cheese may not have been fully pasteurized according to state regulatory standards, which could pose a health risk.
Where Was It Sold?
The recalled cheese was sold at Walmart stores in 24 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
- Wyoming
What is the Problem?
Saputo Cheese USA discovered the problem when they conducted pasteurizer troubleshooting exercises in conjunction with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. During testing, the pasteurization equipment malfunctioned during the production of certain cottage cheese. The recalled batches of cheese were distributed between February 17 and February 20, 2026.
Why Is Pasteurization So Important?
Pasteurization is the critical process that kills harmful bacteria and pathogens in dairy products. When this process fails or is incomplete, unpasteurized or under-pasteurized dairy products can harbor dangerous pathogens.
According to the FDA warning:
“Raw milk can carry dangerous germs such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and others that cause foodborne illness, often called ‘food poisoning.’ Consuming products that are not fully pasteurized can pose a significant health risk, especially to the young and elderly or immunocompromised individuals.”
What Products Were Recalled?
The recall affects the following Great Value brand cottage cheese products sold at Walmart:
- Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese (0% Milkfat) — 24 oz. container, UPC 078742373393, with “Best If Used By” dates of April 1 or April 3, 2026
- Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese (2% Milkfat) — 24 oz. container, UPC 078742116730, with “Best If Used By” dates of April 1, April 2, or April 3, 2026
- Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese (4% Milkfat minimum) — 16 oz. container, UPC 078742372358, with “Best If Used By” date of April 2, 2026
- Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese (4% Milkfat minimum) — 24 oz. container, UPC 078742372365, with “Best If Used By” dates of April 2 or April 3, 2026
- Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese (4% Milkfat minimum) — 3 lb. container, UPC 078742147970, with “Best If Used By” dates of April 1 or April 2, 2026
All affected products are packaged in white plastic tubs with white lids. The “Best If Used By” date is located on the side of the container lid.
Types of Food Poisoning Linked to Unpasteurized Dairy Products
Unpasteurized or under-pasteurized dairy products can contain harmful bacteria and pathogens, for example:
- Listeria monocytogenes — A serious foodborne pathogen that is the 3rd-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States. Listeria can cause severe infections and is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
- Salmonella — Causes salmonellosis, a gastrointestinal infection that can lead to hospitalization.
- E. coli O157:H7 — Can cause severe diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and kidney failure.
- Campylobacter — A leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis.
- And more
How To Identify Recalled Great Value Cottage Cheese at Walmart
To identify whether your cottage cheese is part of the recall, check the following details:
- Brand: Must be “Great Value” (Walmart’s private label brand)
- Retailer: Sold at Walmart stores or Walmart distribution centers
- Package Type: White plastic tub with white lid
- Distribution Dates: Purchased between February 17 and February 20, 2026
- Best If Used By Date: April 1, 2, or 3, 2026
- Container Sizes: 16 oz., 24 oz., or 3 lb. tub
- UPC Codes: 078742373393, 078742116730, 078742372358, 078742372365, or 078742147970 (depending on fat content and size)
- States: Sold in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming
Check your refrigerator immediately. If you have any of these products with matching UPC codes and best-by dates, do not consume them.
What Should I Do?
If you purchased Great Value cottage cheese at Walmart during the recall window, do not eat it. You can return the recalled cottage cheese to any Walmart store for a full refund without a receipt. No questions asked.
If you or anyone in your household consumed the recalled cottage cheese, monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness for 3 to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, headache, and muscle aches.
- Monitor Your Health — If you or anyone in your household consumed the recalled cottage cheese, monitor for symptoms of food poisoning. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, headache, and muscle aches.
- Seek Medical Attention — If you develop any symptoms of food poisoning after consuming recalled cottage cheese, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Be sure to mention your exposure to potentially unpasteurized dairy. If you experience severe symptoms such as stiff neck, confusion, high fever, or bloody diarrhea, seek emergency medical care.
- Keep Documentation — Save your receipt, the product packaging (if you have it), and any medical records related to your illness. This documentation will be important if you pursue a lawsuit.
Do I Have a Great Value Cottage Cheese Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Great Value cottage cheese and Walmart food poisoning cases in all 50 states. If you got sick after eating cottage cheese that was recalled at Walmart, or if you’re concerned about potential exposure to unpasteurized dairy, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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