Saputo recalls Great Value cottage cheese in 24 states over pasteurization concern

Walmart stores and distribution centers received Great Value small-curd cottage cheese shipped Feb. 17–20 that Saputo Cheese USA Inc. voluntarily recalled in late February after a pasteurizer troubleshooting exercise flagged that some liquid dairy ingredients “may not have been fully pasteurized to meet state regulatory standards.” Saputo said the affected equipment “has returned to normal function and was verified and approved by the California Department of Food and Agriculture,” and the company reported no illnesses or hospitalizations tied to the products.

The recall covers Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese - 0% Milkfat, Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese - 2% Milkfat, and Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese - 4% Milkfat minimum. Recalled tubs are packaged in white plastic containers with white lids and carry a “Best By” or “Best If Used By” date printed on the side of the lid. One specific item identified is a 3-pound container of Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese - 4% Milkfat minimum with UPC 078742147970 and best-if-used-by dates of April 1, 2026 and April 2, 2026.

Products from the recall were distributed to stores in 24 states: 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. Saputo’s announcement and the FDA recall posting appeared in late February, with company postings dated Feb. 24 through Feb. 26 in reporting; all outlets agree the distribution window to Walmart was Feb. 17–20.

Public health guidance emphasizes the reason for the recall: the FDA notes pasteurization exists “as a basic public health measure to kill dangerous bacteria and largely eliminate the risk of getting sick.” Health notices list pathogens associated with raw or underpasteurized dairy, including Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. Advisories single out vulnerable groups, warning that consuming products not fully pasteurized can pose “a significant health risks, especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems,” and that young children, pregnant people and immunocompromised individuals are likewise at increased risk.

Saputo said the affected pasteurizer was repaired and cleared by California food safety officials and that “No other products produced in the facility were affected.” The company removed the products from shelves as part of the voluntary recall; customers who have the recalled cottage cheese are advised not to consume it and may either discard the product or return it to Walmart for a full refund. Pictures of the recalled tubs and full product identification are available on the official recall notice, and consumers with questions can call Saputo at 888-587-2423.

For Walmart staff handling returns and inventory, the most actionable details are the Feb. 17–20 shipment window, the white tubs with side‑of‑lid Best By dates, and the single confirmed UPC 078742147970 tied to April 1 and April 2, 2026 best-if-used-by dates. Saputo and California regulators say the pasteurizer has been brought back into service after verification, and the recall remains focused on the identified Great Value cottage cheese tubs distributed to the listed 24 states.