Published by If you purchased recalled Great Value cottage cheese and later experienced illness or required medical care, you may want a legal review of your options.
A case evaluation can help assess potential compensation for medical expenses and other documented losses tied to the recalled products.
Table Of Contents
- What’s the Problem?
- Latest Updates
- Recalled Products
- How to Identify an Affected Product
- Where the Product Was Distributed
- Not Fully Pasteurized Dairy and Health Risks
- What Consumers Should Do
- Do You Qualify for a Great Value Cottage Cheese Recall Lawsuit?
- Legal Theories and Liability Considerations
- Statute of Limitations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Acting Promptly Matters
- References
What’s the Problem?
Saputo Cheese USA said the recall was issued due to the possibility that liquid dairy ingredients used in certain cottage cheese products were not fully pasteurized according to state regulatory standards. Saputo said consuming products that are not fully pasteurized can pose a significant health risk, especially to the young and elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
Saputo said the issue was discovered during pasteurizer troubleshooting exercises conducted with the California Department of Food and Drug Agriculture. Saputo stated the impacted pasteurizer was returned to normal function and verified and sealed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and that no other products produced in the facility were affected.
Latest Updates
- February 24, 2026 – Saputo Cheese USA announced a voluntary recall of select Great Value cottage cheese products because liquid dairy ingredients used may not have been fully pasteurized to state regulatory standards, and noted a correction was issued to identify the PLT# (plant code) in the “Best If Used By” date. [1]
Recalled Products
The recall covers multiple Great Value cottage cheese products. All recalled products were sold in white plastic tubs with white lids.
- Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 0% Milkfat, 24 oz. container, UPC 078742373393, Best If Used By APR-01-26 or APR-03-26, PLT# 06-71
- Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 2% Milkfat, 24 oz. container, UPC 078742116730, Best If Used By APR-01-26, APR-02-26, or APR-03-26
- Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 4% milkfat minimum, 16 oz. container, UPC 078742372358, Best If Used By APR-02-26
- Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 4% milkfat minimum, 24 oz. container, UPC 078742372365, Best If Used By APR-02-26 or APR-03-26
- Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 4% milkfat minimum, 3 lb. container, UPC 078742147970, Best If Used By APR-01-26 or APR-02-26
How to Identify an Affected Product
According to the recall notice, the “Best If Used By” date and the PLT# (plant code) are located on the side of the container’s lid. A product is included only if it matches the product name, size, UPC, Best If Used By date, and plant code listed in the recall chart.
The recall notice also stated the product should have been purchased in one of the listed states. If one of those categories does not fit, the product is not included in the recall.
Where the Product Was Distributed
Saputo said the affected products were distributed to Walmart stores and distribution centers in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
The distribution window listed in the recall notice is February 17 through February 20, 2026. Products outside that distribution window are not necessarily included unless they match all identifiers in the chart.
Not Fully Pasteurized Dairy and Health Risks
Saputo stated that consuming products that are not fully pasteurized can pose a significant health risk. The recall notice emphasized increased concern for the young, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Anyone who has health concerns after consuming a product that matches the recall identifiers should contact a healthcare provider. Preserving the lid information can help confirm product identifiers if medical evaluation occurs.
What Consumers Should Do
Customers who purchased the affected products should not consume them. The recall notice states consumers can return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The recall notice provided a consumer contact number for more information: 1-888-587-2423, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. This recall was stated to be made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.
Do You Qualify for a Great Value Cottage Cheese Recall Lawsuit?
A legal review may be relevant if you purchased a recalled product and developed illness or required medical evaluation, testing, or treatment. Review may also be appropriate if documented financial losses occurred in connection with an incident.
Claims are generally stronger when product identifiers and timing are documented. The Best If Used By date and PLT# are key details for confirming the recalled products.
Evidence to Gather
- Photos of the lid showing the Best If Used By date and PLT# (plant code)
- Photos of the tub showing product name, size, and UPC
- Receipts, Walmart purchase records, or order confirmations if available
- Medical records, testing, and treatment documentation if illness occurred
- A written timeline of consumption and symptom onset
Potential Damages
Potential damages may include medical expenses and related out-of-pocket costs if illness occurred. Depending on the facts, damages may also include lost income and compensation for pain and suffering.
Legal Theories and Liability Considerations
Food safety cases are often evaluated under product liability and negligence theories. Case evaluation typically focuses on product identification, timing, and medical documentation.
A recall does not automatically establish liability in every case. Evidence linking the recalled product to an illness and damages remains central to any claim evaluation.
Statute of Limitations
Filing deadlines vary by state and may depend on when illness occurred or was discovered. Preserving documentation early can help protect legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are all Great Value cottage cheese products included?
No. The recall applies only to the specific products and identifiers listed in the recall notice. - Where are the key identifiers located?
The recall notice states the Best If Used By date and PLT# are located on the side of the container’s lid. - What should I do if I have a matching product?
Do not consume it, and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Why Acting Promptly Matters
These cases often depend on clear product identification and timely medical records. Keeping photos of the lid information can reduce disputes about whether a recalled product was involved.
References
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/saputo-usa-recalls-great-value-cottage-cheese-because-possible-health-risk