Walmart Cottage Cheese Recalled in 24 States After Pasteurization Concern

Walmart shoppers across the U.S. are being urged to check refrigerators after walmart cottage cheese recalled notices were posted for select Great Value cottage cheese products. The recall centers on concerns that some liquid dairy ingredients used in production may not have been fully pasteurized, creating a potential risk for foodborne illness. No illnesses have been confirmed publicly as of Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 (ET), but health officials warn that unpasteurized dairy can pose serious risks for pregnant people, young children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

The development is also drawing attention in the UK, Canada, and Australia as a case study in how large retailers manage food safety at scale, especially when private-label products are distributed widely and consumed by families seeking low-cost protein staples.

What Triggered the Walmart Cottage Cheese Recalled Notice

The recall was initiated after routine checks identified a potential pasteurization shortfall involving liquid dairy ingredients used for certain Great Value cottage cheese items. Pasteurization is designed to reduce harmful bacteria that can cause severe illness. When pasteurization does not meet regulatory standards, the concern expands beyond mild stomach upset to the possibility of dangerous infections, including those that can be especially severe during pregnancy.

While the recall is precautionary, food safety officials emphasize that the risk profile for unpasteurized dairy is higher than many consumers realize. People in higher-risk groups are typically advised to avoid consuming the affected products entirely, even if they look and smell normal.

Walmart Cottage Cheese Recalled Products and “Best If Used By” Dates

The recalled items are sold under the Great Value label in white plastic tubs. Shoppers are being encouraged to use UPC codes and “Best If Used By” dates to identify whether their purchase is included.

Consumers who find matching products are being told not to eat them.

Where the Recall Applies and Why It Matters

The distribution footprint covers 24 U.S. 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.

That geographic spread matters because Great Value products are a routine grocery choice for many households, including people who use cottage cheese for quick breakfasts, high-protein diets, and meal prep. Cottage cheese is also frequently used in family cooking for dips, baked dishes, and snacks, increasing the chance of shared exposure if a recalled tub is used in a communal meal.

Internationally, the story is gaining traction because private-label dairy is common in the UK, Canada, and Australia as well. Even though this recall is U.S.-specific, it highlights how quality controls and ingredient processing steps can become the center of a safety alert, even when a product is sold under a major retailer’s brand.

What Shoppers Should Do Now

Walmart customers who purchased Great Value cottage cheese in the affected states should take these steps:

1. Check the product label for the exact UPC and “Best If Used By” date listed above.

2. Do not taste-test the product to “see if it’s fine.”

3. Dispose of the product safely or return it to the store for a refund where available.

4. If anyone in the household has symptoms of foodborne illness after consuming cottage cheese—especially fever, severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration—seek medical care promptly and mention the potential exposure.

People who are pregnant or immunocompromised should be especially cautious, as some foodborne infections linked to dairy can have more serious outcomes.

What Comes Next for Walmart and Food Safety Watchers

Food recalls tied to pasteurization concerns can move quickly because the potential consequences are significant, even when no illnesses are confirmed. The next key developments will be whether additional lots are added, whether the recall remains limited to the current distribution window, and whether retailers tighten on-shelf checks for similar dairy products.

For now, the practical takeaway is simple: if you live in one of the affected states and recently bought Great Value cottage cheese, treat the walmart cottage cheese recalled notice as urgent, verify the UPC and date, and keep the product out of meals until you confirm it is not part of the recall.