Oregonians Urged to Return Shredded Cheese Over Possible Metal Fragment Contamination
Oregonians are warned to return shredded cheeses contaminated with metal fragments that have been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Cheese Can Cause Adverse Health Problems
If consumed, the cheese can cause adverse health problems, such as dental damage, intestinal perforation, and lacerations to the mouth or throat.
Although health concerns are not life-threatening, the FDA has upgraded the recall to a Class II as the product can cause ‘temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.’
More Than 260,000 Cases Distributed Nationally
According to Associated Press (AP), more than 260,000 cases have been distributed nationally and include cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
Source: FDA enforcement data summarized by AP and Oregon Department of Agriculture, plus Oregon WIC recall notice
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Last week WIC, the public health program administered by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), requested that stores remove the cheese from shelves.
The WIC recall includes Food Club, Good & Gather, Great Value, and Lucerne brands. WIC members who purchased any of these cheeses should return them to the store for an exchange, as cash refunds do not apply.
How to confirm your cheese is part of the recall?
| Check | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Food Club, Good & Gather, Great Value, Lucerne | These are the Oregon WIC store brands listed in the recall notice |
| Purchase window | Bought during September or October 2025 | Oregon WIC says items purchased starting in November 2025 are not part of the recall |
| Sell By dates | January to March 2026 | Matches the affected date range in the Oregon WIC alert |
| UPC and batch match | Exact match to FDA enforcement list | ODA says non matching UPC or batch means the product is not subject to recall |
| Return rule for WIC | Exchange only / no cash refunds or store credit | Specific direction in the Oregon WIC notice |
The affected batches of cheese were recalled by Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. during September and October, and have sell-by dates between January and March 2026.
Aldi, Target, and Walmart are Among the Oregon Stores That Stocked the Products
According to the FDA, the cheese products were distributed in Oregon as store-brand labels to retailers such as Aldi, Target, and Walmart.
The recall, initiated by the contamination of the cheeses with potential metal fragments from the supplier’s raw material, affects various retailers across 31 states and Puerto Rico.
The following shredded cheeses are included in the contaminated batches: low-moisture part-skim mozzarella, Happy Farms by Aldi Italian Style, Food Club Pizza Style Four Cheese Blend, and Good & Gather Mozzarella and Parmesan.