# Urgent Shredded Cheese Recall: Check Your Fridge for Metal Fragments in 31 States
Picture this: you’re getting ready for taco night, pulling out a bag of shredded cheese to sprinkle generously over the top. Before you do, stop and check the label. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent warning for a widespread **shredded cheese recall** affecting numerous store brands across 31 states due to the potential presence of metal fragments.
This recall, initiated by the manufacturer Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI), is a critical food safety alert for millions of households. Consuming food contaminated with metal can lead to serious injury. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: which products are affected, how to identify them, which states are included in the recall, and what steps to take to keep your family safe.
## What You Need to Know About the Shredded Cheese Recall
Food recalls are serious, and this one is particularly widespread because a single manufacturer, AMPI, supplies cheese to many different grocery chains. This means the recalled cheese is sold under various brand names, making it essential for consumers to check their refrigerators carefully.
* **The Manufacturer:** Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI), a dairy cooperative based in Minnesota.
* **The Hazard:** The cheese may be contaminated with pieces of metal. These fragments are an unintentional byproduct of the manufacturing process and pose a significant health risk.
* **The Scope:** The recall covers 8-ounce bags of various shredded cheese blends, including Fiesta Blend, Colby Jack, and Mexican Blend. It impacts dozens of different UPC codes sold in 31 states.
The recall was voluntarily initiated by AMPI after the potential contamination was discovered. The FDA is overseeing the recall to ensure the affected products are removed from store shelves and that consumers are properly informed of the danger.
## Is Your Cheese Part of the Recall? Identifying the Affected Products
The most important step is to determine if the cheese in your fridge is on the recall list. Don’t rely on brand memory alone, as many familiar store brands are involved. You will need to check the packaging for specific information.
### Recalled Brands and Retailers
The recalled shredded cheese was sold under several well-known store brands. While not an exhaustive list, some of the major brands impacted include:
* **Great Value** (Walmart)
* **Food Lion**
* **Hy-Vee**
* **Kroger**
* **Piggly Wiggly**
* **IGA**
* **Fareway**
If you have shredded cheese from these or other grocery store brands, it is crucial to check the specific product details below.
### How to Check UPC Codes and “Best By” Dates
To confirm if your product is part of the **shredded cheese recall**, look for the UPC code (the number below the barcode) and the “Best By” date printed on the package.
Here is a breakdown of the recalled products:
**Product:** 8-ounce bags of Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
* **UPC Code:** 07874242315
* **Best By Dates:** 02/20/25, 04/16/25, 04/17/25
**Product:** 8-ounce bags of Shredded Fiesta Blend Cheese
* **UPC Code:** 07874242316
* **Best By Dates:** 02/20/25, 02/21/25
**Product:** 8-ounce bags of Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
* **UPC Code:** 07874242317
* **Best By Dates:** 02/19/25, 02/20/25
**Product:** 8-ounce bags of Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
* **UPC Code:** 07874242318
* **Best By Dates:** 02/21/25, 02/22/25, 04/15/25
**Product:** 8-ounce bags of Shredded Reduced Fat Mexican Blend Cheese
* **UPC Code:** 07874242319
* **Best By Dates:** 02/21/25
**Product:** 8-ounce bags of Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella
* **UPC Code:** 07874242321
* **Best By Date:** 02/19/25
Carefully compare the UPC code and the “Best By” date on your cheese package to this list. If they match, your product is included in the recall.
## Full List of States Affected by the Recall
This recall is extensive, with the affected products distributed to warehouses and stores in 31 states across the country. Check this list to see if your state is included:
* Alabama
* Arizona
* Arkansas
* California
* Colorado
* Florida
* Georgia
* Illinois
* Indiana
* Iowa
* Kansas
* Kentucky
* Louisiana
* Michigan
* Minnesota
* Mississippi
* Missouri
* Nebraska
* New Mexico
* North Carolina
* North Dakota
* Ohio
* Oklahoma
* South Carolina
* South Dakota
* Tennessee
* Texas
* Utah
* Virginia
* West Virginia
* Wisconsin
## What to Do if You Have Recalled Cheese
If you have identified a recalled product in your home, follow these steps immediately to ensure your safety.
### Do Not Eat It
The most important rule is **do not consume the cheese**. Even if it looks and smells fine, the risk of ingesting metal fragments is too high. Do not try to “check” for fragments, as they can be small and difficult to see. Do not feed it to pets, either.
### How to Dispose of or Return the Product
You have two main options:
1. **Dispose of it safely:** Securely wrap the package in a plastic bag and throw it away in a trash can where children or animals cannot access it.
2. **Return it for a refund:** Take the product back to the store where you purchased it. Retailers are aware of the recall and will provide a full refund. You do not typically need a receipt for a recalled item.
## Understanding the Health Risks: Why Metal Fragments Are Dangerous
The reason for this **shredded cheese recall** is the serious health risk posed by metal contaminants in food. Ingesting sharp, foreign objects can cause a range of injuries, from minor to severe.
Potential health risks include:
* **Dental Damage:** Chipping or breaking teeth.
* **Lacerations:** Cuts to the mouth, tongue, throat, or gums.
* **Choking Hazard:** The fragments could become lodged in the throat, especially in children.
* **Internal Injury:** If swallowed, the metal pieces can cause perforations or damage to the stomach, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract, which may require surgery to resolve.
If you believe you or a family member may have consumed the recalled cheese and are experiencing symptoms like pain, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
## Staying Informed and Safe
This recall serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of food safety. While companies and regulatory bodies work to keep the food supply safe, consumers can also take steps to stay protected.
### How to Stay Updated on Food Recalls
Information is your best defense. To stay on top of the latest food recalls and safety alerts:
* **Visit FDA.gov/safety/recalls:** This is the official source for all FDA-regulated food recalls.
* **Check Foodsafety.gov:** This is a comprehensive government website that consolidates recall information from the FDA and the USDA.
* **Sign up for alerts:** Many of these official sites offer email notification services for new recalls.
### Tips for General Food Safety at Home
* **Inspect Packaging:** Before buying any food product, check for signs of damage, tampering, or broken seals.
* **Check Dates:** Always look at the “Best By” or “Use By” dates before purchasing and consuming food.
* **Trust Your Instincts:** If a product looks or smells off, it’s better to be safe than sorry. When in doubt, throw it out.
Your health is paramount. Take a moment today to check your refrigerator for any products included in this widespread shredded cheese recall. By staying informed and taking swift action, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from potential harm.
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