Walmart Cottage Cheese Recalled: Great Value Products Pulled in 24 States Over Pasteurization Concern

A Walmart cottage cheese recalled notice is prompting shoppers to check their refrigerators after select Great Value cottage cheese products were pulled from shelves across 24 U.S. states. The recall centers on a pasteurization issue involving liquid dairy ingredients that may not have been fully pasteurized to meet state regulatory standards, creating a potential health risk for some consumers.

The products were shipped to Walmart stores and distribution centers between Feb. 17 and Feb. 20, 2026 (ET), and the public alert was posted in late February as customers began asking whether their tubs match the affected date codes.

Walmart Cottage Cheese Recalled: What Products Are Affected

The recalled items are Great Value small curd cottage cheese sold in white plastic tubs with white lids, with “Best If Used By” dates printed on the side of the lid. Five product variations are included, spanning fat-free, lowfat, and regular milkfat options.

Why the Recall Happened: Pasteurization Standards in Focus

The recall traces back to concerns that certain liquid dairy ingredients used in the cottage cheese may not have been fully pasteurized. Pasteurization is designed to reduce harmful bacteria in dairy products, and problems with heat-treatment standards can raise the risk of contamination even when no illnesses have been linked to the product.

The issue was identified during troubleshooting and maintenance activity involving a pasteurizer. After the problem was found, the equipment was returned to normal function and later verified and sealed by California state agriculture regulators, with the company indicating other products from the facility were not affected.

Where the Recalled Cottage Cheese Was Sold

The affected Great Value cottage cheese products were distributed through Walmart channels in 24 states: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Because distribution ran through stores and distribution centers, shoppers may have purchased the tubs in-store or via pickup and delivery options, depending on local availability.

Health Risk: Who Should Take Extra Caution

No illnesses or hospitalizations were listed at the time the notice circulated widely, but the warning remains important because dairy products that are not fully pasteurized can pose higher risk to vulnerable groups.

People who should be especially cautious include:

• Pregnant people

• Infants and young children

• Older adults

• Anyone with a weakened immune system

Foodborne illness risk varies, and symptoms can range from mild stomach upset to more serious complications depending on the organism involved and the person’s health status. Anyone who feels unwell after consuming a potentially affected product should contact a healthcare professional.

What Shoppers Should Do Now

Consumers who purchased the affected items are being told not to eat the recalled cottage cheese. The practical steps are straightforward: match the product and UPC to the list, confirm the “Best If Used By” date on the lid, and then either dispose of the product or return it to Walmart for a refund, following local store procedures.

Shoppers who routinely transfer food into separate containers should check for leftover packaging or purchase history in retail apps and email receipts, since the “Best If Used By” information is printed on the lid.

What This Means for the US, UK, Canada, and Australia

This recall is focused on U.S. distribution, but it’s still drawing attention in the UK, Canada, and Australia because Walmart-branded supply chain news often travels quickly—and because North American travel is common for students, snowbirds, and business travelers who may have stocked groceries during trips.

For consumers outside the U.S., the key takeaway is simple: this notice concerns Great Value cottage cheese sold through Walmart distribution in specific U.S. states, not a blanket recall of cottage cheese globally. Travelers returning home should still check any perishable items purchased in the affected states and avoid consuming anything that matches the recalled UPCs and dates.

As the recall moves through stores and homes, the focus remains on identification and prevention: check the lid, match the code, and don’t eat the product if it falls within the recalled list.