Consumers across several states are monitoring shelves after a major Great Value cheese recall was announced. The move targets specific blocks and slices that may carry listeria risk, prompting stores to pull items quickly.
Regulators and the brand are urging anyone with recalled product to return it or dispose of it safely. Below you will find structured details, key timelines, and practical guidance for shoppers and retailers.
| Product Name | UPC | Recall Class | Health Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Value Mild Cheddar Block | 049000025504 | I | High |
| Great Value Swiss Sliced Cheese | 049000026112 | I | High |
| Great Value Sharp Cheddar Slices | 049000027330 | II | Medium |
| Great Value American Cheese Singles | 049000028890 | II | Medium |
Scope of the Great Value Cheese Recall
Officials classify this action as a Class I recall, indicating a reasonable probability that consumption could cause serious health consequences or death. The decision followed routine sampling that detected potential listeria monocytogenes contamination in processing environments.
Distribution affected multiple warehouse clubs and large retailers, although exact store lists are updated frequently. Shoppers are advised to check lot codes rather than rely only on product type or packaging color.
Health Symptoms and Medical Guidance
Listeria exposure can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea, with higher risks for pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may appear days or weeks after consuming contaminated food, so early medical consultation is important.
Healthcare providers can order testing and treatment when relevant exposure history and clinical signs align. Reporting suspected cases to local health departments helps regulators trace the source more rapidly.
Retailer Responsibilities and Return Procedures
Retailers are coordinating closely with the brand to remove recalled items from coolers, shelves, and back rooms as quickly as possible. Many locations are offering full refunds without a receipt for the affected products within the recall period.
Staff have been trained to identify recalled lot codes and to guide customers toward safe disposal options. Some stores are also placing signage near the dairy aisle to ensure ongoing awareness among regular shoppers.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Prevention
The brand is reviewing environmental sampling results and enhancing sanitation protocols in facilities linked to the recall. Independent audits and more frequent testing are part of the corrective actions outlined in regulatory agreements.
Moving forward, improved traceability and clearer lot marking aim to simplify identification during future investigations. Continuous investment in equipment upgrades and staff training supports long term quality and safety goals.
Steps for Consumers and Industry Stakeholders
- Verify lot codes against the official recall list before discarding or consuming product.
- Return affected items to retailers for refund or dispose of them securely to prevent accidental consumption.
- Monitor personal health and seek medical care if listeria exposure symptoms develop, especially for high risk groups.
- Stay informed through regulator updates, retailer signage, and the brand’s official communication channels.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which specific Great Value cheese items are included in the recall?
Recalled items include Great Value Mild Cheddar Block, Great Value Swiss Sliced Cheese, Great Value Sharp Cheddar Slices, and Great Value American Cheese Singles with the listed UPCs and affected lot codes.
How can I check if cheese in my home has been recalled using lot codes?
Compare the lot code printed on the packaging with the official recall list released by regulators and the brand, focusing on the product type and packaging size indicated in the notice.
What should I do if I already ate recalled cheese and feel unwell?
Contact a healthcare professional promptly, share details about the recalled product, and report the suspected illness to your local health department for tracking and investigation.
Will Great Value cover medical costs related to this recall?
The brand is working with retailers and insurers on a case by case basis where eligible documentation is provided, and customers are advised to keep receipts, medical records, and photographic evidence of the product.