Your Aldi cheese may have stainless steel fragments: Affected batches, states, and what to do

Aldi has recalled thousands of products across multiple states due to potential contamination. This latest recall affects nearly 5,000 pouches of shredded cheese, which may contain stainless steel fragments, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Reason for the Recall

The recall involves about 5000 pouches of Happy Farms Colby Jack shredded cheese, which were distributed to Aldi stores in four states. As per the company, it involves 400 cases with each case contains 12 pouches and in each pouch there's 12 ounces of shredded cheese. The presence of stainless steel fragments poses a health risk, though the FDA states that the likelihood of serious adverse effects is low.

The recall was voluntarily initiated by Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. on February 15, 2025, and classified as a Class II recall by the FDA on March 19. A Class II recall signifies a product that may cause temporary or reversible health effects but is unlikely to lead to serious health issues.

States Affected

The recalled Happy Farms Colby Jack shredded cheese was sold in:

• Connecticut
• Michigan
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania

How to Identify the Recalled Cheese

Consumers should check their cheese pouches for the following details:

• Batch number: 8679653
• Item number: 170374
• UPC: 4061463330840
• Lot numbers: Best By JUL 13 25 H or Best By JUL 14 25 H

What to Do If You Have the Recalled Product

If you have purchased the recalled cheese, do not consume it. Dispose of it or return it to any Aldi store for a full refund or replacement.

This is the second recall issued by Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. this year. On January 16, the company withdrew Our Family American Cheese Slices due to a “flavor discrepancy.” While not a food safety issue, customers were advised not to consume the product.

Recalled American Cheese Details:

• UPC: 0-70253-50023
• Expiration Date: November 22, 2025

Consumers with affected cheese should return it for a refund or replacement.

Aldi’s Casa Mamita Chicken & Cheese Taquito Recall

In January, Aldi also recalled its Casa Mamita Chicken & Cheese Taquitos due to potential metal contamination. The affected product was sold in several states, including:

Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.

Consumers are advised to stay informed about product recalls and always check packaging details before consumption. If you have any affected products, return them to the store for a full refund.