Shredded Cheese Recall Expands: 1.5 Million Bags Pulled in 31 States and Puerto Rico Over Metal Fragment Risk

A nationwide shredded cheese recall has widened this week, covering more than 260,000 cases—about 1.5 million bags—of mozzarella and multi-cheese blends sold under numerous store brands at major retailers. Regulators have classified the action as a Class II recall, signaling a risk of temporary or medically reversible harm if small metal fragments are ingested. No injuries had been reported as of Thursday, December 4.

What’s being recalled in the shredded cheese recall

The affected items were packaged by a large U.S. cheesemaker and distributed broadly under private-label brands. Products include popular formats and blends such as:

• Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella (standard, finely shredded, and thick-cut)

• Italian-style blends

• Pizza-style four-cheese blends

• Mozzarella & provolone blends

• Mozzarella & parmesan blends

Most packages are dated with “Best if used by” dates from February 12 through March 27, 2026. Package sizes vary from 8 oz retail bags to 32 oz family packs and 5 lb foodservice bags. While labels differ by retailer, consumers should focus on the product type, cut, and date codes.

Where the recalled cheese was sold

The distribution footprint spans 31 states and Puerto Rico, with placement at national chains and regional grocers. Impacted states include: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, NC, NE, NM, NV, NY, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, plus Puerto Rico. Many items carry store-brand names, so the same product may appear under different labels.

Why the shredded cheese was recalled

The manufacturer initiated the original recall in early October after learning that a supplier’s raw material might contain metal fragments. After review, regulators updated the classification to Class II on December 1. Though serious injury is considered unlikely, swallowing metal can cause dental damage or cuts in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract, and may pose elevated risks for young children and older adults.

How to check your fridge and what to do next

1. Find the date code: Pull every shredded mozzarella or multi-cheese blend from your fridge or freezer and check the “Best if used by” date. Flag anything dated Feb 12–Mar 27, 2026.

2. Match the style and cut: Compare the style (mozzarella, pizza, Italian blend) and cut (finely shredded, thick cut) to the list above.

3. Look for private-label clues: If your bag carries a store brand, don’t assume it’s safe—many recalled items are private labels.

4. Do not eat it: If your package matches the criteria, do not consume it.

5. Dispose or return: Throw it away or return it to the store for a refund or replacement per the retailer’s policy.

6. Clean surfaces: After discarding, wipe down shelves or bins where the bag was stored to remove stray shreds or residue.

Brands and examples you might see on shelves

Because the same cheese is packaged for multiple retailers, consumers may encounter a range of labels. Examples in the recall include well-known store brands for national big-box and discount chains, as well as regional grocers’ lines. Product names commonly read “Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella, Shredded,” “Italian Style Shredded Cheese,” or “Pizza-Style Shredded Cheese Blend.” Select foodservice and club-size bags are also included.

Tip: If you save grocery receipts or use a loyalty app, search for “mozzarella,” “Italian blend,” or “pizza” in recent purchases to identify at-risk items quickly.

Health guidance and symptoms to watch

While the likelihood of severe harm is low, ingesting hard fragments can cause:

• Tooth cracks or chips

• Mouth and throat lacerations

• Abdominal pain or bleeding in rare cases

Anyone who believes they consumed affected cheese and experiences sharp oral pain, bleeding, or persistent abdominal discomfort should seek medical advice.

How this recall intersects with other cheese alerts

This week’s attention on shredded mozzarella and blends comes amid separate, unrelated recalls of grated hard cheeses tied to Listeria concerns. The hazards are different: the shredded-cheese action addresses foreign material (metal), while the grated-cheese alerts involve microbial risk. Consumers should evaluate each product category independently.

What happens next—and how retailers respond

Retailers typically pull affected lots and post point-of-sale notices. Expect ongoing updates as distributors reconcile inventory and confirm UPC codes and lot/date ranges. If you encounter a recalled item still on a shelf, inform store staff so it can be removed.

Quick checklist for households

• ☐ Check every shredded mozzarella or blend bag, even backups in the freezer

• ☐ Verify best-by dates Feb 12–Mar 27, 2026

• ☐ Compare style/cut to recall categories

• ☐ Do not eat suspect product; return or discard

• ☐ Sanitize storage areas and utensils that contacted shredded cheese

 The expanded shredded cheese recall targets widely sold mozzarella and blend bags with 2026 date codes. Review your refrigerator and freezer today; when in doubt, don’t consume it and seek a refund. Further updates may refine product lists and date ranges as the recall progresses.