Morgan County Walmart Among Stores Affected by Great Value Cottage Cheese Recall

Older adults and people with weakened immune systems in Morgan County are being urged to check Great Value cottage cheese bought at Walmart after Saputo Cheese USA Inc. issued a voluntary recall of select tubs, saying liquid dairy ingredients used in the items "may not have been fully pasteurized according to state regulatory standards." Saputo announced the recall on Feb. 24, 2026; the company notice was posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The recalled products were shipped to Walmart stores and distribution centers between Feb. 17 and Feb. 20, 2026, in 24 states that include Illinois, the FDA posting lists. The full state list is Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Because Illinois is on that distribution list, Walmart locations serving Morgan County fall within the geographic scope identified by the recall.

Consumer Reports provides SKU detail shoppers can use to identify affected tubs. The recalled items sold Feb. 17–20 and best-if-used-by April 1–3, 2026, include: Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese 24 oz. (UPC 078742373393; best-by April 1 or April 3); Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese 24 oz. (UPC 078742116730; best-by April 1, 2, or 3); Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese 16 oz. 4% milkfat (UPC 078742372358; best-by April 2); Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese 24 oz. 4% milkfat (UPC 078742372365; best-by April 2 or April 3); and Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese 3 lb. 4% milkfat (UPC 078742147970; best-by April 1 or April 2). All items were sold in white plastic tubs with white lids, and the "Best By" or "Best If Used By" date is printed on the side of the lid, the FDA notice states.

Saputo said the issue was discovered "during pasteurizer troubleshooting exercises conducted by SUSA in conjunction with the California Department of Food and Agriculture." The company reported the impacted pasteurizer has returned to normal function and was inspected or verified by CDFA; media reports and the FDA filing use phrasings including "verified and approved" and "verified and sealed." Saputo also said no other products produced in the facility were affected.

No illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported in connection with the recall, the FDA posting and news outlets note. Public health warnings in the notices emphasize risk: "Consuming products that are not fully pasteurized can pose a significant health risks, especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems," AARP wrote, and Fox Business quoted the FDA caution that improperly pasteurized dairy can pose serious risks "particularly for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems."

Consumers who purchased any of the listed SKUs should not consume the product and should either dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, Saputo directs consumers to call 1-888-587-2423, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT. The recall notice was posted by the FDA with the statement: "When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company."

Retail context matters: Compeer Financial data cited by GoodHousekeeping shows cottage cheese sales jumped 20% between June 2024 and June 2025, underscoring how many households could be affected. Morgan County shoppers who bought Great Value tubs with Best If Used By dates April 1–3, 2026 should check lids for the listed UPCs and follow the disposal or refund guidance.