Cheese is the undisputed comfort king — melty on burgers, spread over pizza, or eaten straight from the fridge. Yet, behind its indulgent reputation lies a more troubling reality: cheese can also be a vector for serious foodborne illnesses and contamination. Over the years, thex U.S. has experienced dozens of large-scale cheese recalls involving everything from E. coli to listeria, plastic fragments, and labeling failures. While some recalls were precautionary, others were tied to hospitalization and death, shaking public trust in even the most beloved dairy brands.
This article breaks down some of the most significant cheese recalls in recent history — exploring not only what went wrong, but how regulatory bodies and companies responded, and what it means for the future of food safety in the cheese industry.
Table of Contents
Major Cheese Recalls That Rocked the U.S. Dairy Industry
Foreign Objects in Cheese: When Metal Ends Up in Your Meal
Aldi’s Colby Jack Shredded Cheese Recall (2025)
In March 2025, Aldi pulled 400 cases of Happy Farms Colby Jack Shredded Cheese from shelves in four states after stainless steel fragments were discovered. Though no injuries were reported, the potential for harm prompted a swift Class II recall.
Great Lakes Cheese Co. Recall (2019)
Back in 2019, Great Lakes Cheese recalled 400,000 pounds of American cheese slices due to possible metal contamination. Distributed to major grocery chains, this Class III recall didn’t result in reported illnesses but raised red flags about quality assurance practices.
Pathogen Contamination: Listeria, E. Coli, and Salmonella Scares
Heber Valley Artisan Cheese and E. Coli Risk (2024)
This December 2024 recall involved 402 pounds of Cascade Aged Raw Milk Cheddar after tests detected Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. No illnesses were linked, but it was classified as a Class I recall due to the severity of potential outcomes.
Raw Farm’s Contentious Recall and E. Coli Outbreak (2024)
In a dramatic turn, Raw Farm voluntarily recalled its raw cheddar after 11 illnesses and two hospitalizations. Yet, no product tested positive, and Raw Farm quickly rescinded the recall, igniting debate over the safety of raw milk cheeses and federal oversight.
Schreiber Foods and the Massive Salmonella-Linked Cream Cheese Recall (2024)
More than 830,000 units of cream cheese were pulled from stores after a salmonella contamination scare involving whey protein concentrate. Despite no reported illnesses, the recall showcased the domino effect of a single contaminated ingredient across multiple brands.
Soft Cheese and Listeria: A Persistent Public Health Challenge
Savencia Cheese and Brie Contamination Concerns (2024)
Popular Brie and Camembert products were recalled over potential Listeria exposure at a Wisconsin facility. No illnesses were reported, but the risk to pregnant individuals and the immunocompromised prompted nationwide action.
Old Europe Cheese’s Listeria Outbreak and FDA Warnings (2022)
Six illnesses and five hospitalizations were traced to Brie and Camembert from Old Europe Cheese. Production was paused, and the FDA later cited unsanitary facility conditions as a root cause.
Rizo-López Foods’ Nationwide Recall After Deadly Listeria Outbreak (2024)
One of the most sobering recalls in recent memory: two deaths and 23 hospitalizations were linked to Rizo-López products. The outbreak spanned a decade, revealing systemic failures in contamination prevention and leading to a full product line recall and federal injunction.
Labeling Failures and Manufacturing Errors: Invisible but Dangerous Risks
Great Lakes Cheese’s Massive Mislabeling Recall (2023)
Over 7.2 million pounds of cheese were recalled due to incorrect refrigeration instructions. Though classified as a Class III recall, the scale made it one of the largest U.S. cheese recalls ever.
Kraft Singles Recall Over Packaging Defect (2023)
A malfunctioning wrapping machine left plastic film on Kraft Singles, resulting in 83,800 cases being recalled. While no injuries occurred, the incident showed how even lunchbox staples aren’t immune to production slip-ups.
Health Canada Recalls Babyganics Kids Sunscreen Due to Solvent Issue
More Than 184,000 Stanley Travel Mugs Recalled in Canada Due to Burn Hazard
Over 40,000 John Deere Lawn Mowers Recalled Across North America
Historic Cheese Recalls with Lasting Consequences
Listeria-Linked Deaths and Shutdowns
Vulto Creamery’s Deadly Listeria Outbreak (2017)
Linked to two deaths, including a newborn, Vulto Creamery’s recall of raw milk cheeses highlighted years of sanitation lapses. The creamery ceased operations, and the owner was sentenced in 2024 for his role in the outbreak.
Forever Cheese and Imported Ricotta Salata Crisis (2012)
Imported from Italy, Frescolina Marte brand Ricotta Salata was tied to four deaths and 20 hospitalizations. The outbreak exposed the complexities of global supply chains and the risks of contamination overseas.
Jalisco Mexican Products and the 1985 Listeria Tragedy
The deadliest cheese-related outbreak in U.S. history claimed 28 lives and caused 20 fetal losses. Caused by unpasteurized or improperly pasteurized soft cheese, this incident redefined food safety regulations for the dairy industry.
Widespread Supply Chain Disruptions
Deutsch Kase Haus and the Chain Reaction Recall (2017)
What started as a routine test of Longhorn Colby cheese ballooned into a 4.1-million-pound recall affecting major brands like Sargento, Meijer, and Sara Lee. This case demonstrated how one supplier can jeopardize an entire industry segment.
Karoun Dairies and a Five-Year Listeria Outbreak (2015)
Spanning a decade and leading to 30 illnesses and three deaths, Karoun’s recall was a reminder of how stealthy and long-lasting listeria contamination can be — particularly in soft cheese production environments.
The Bigger Picture: What These Recalls Teach Us
Cheese recalls in the U.S. have ranged from minor product defects to deadly pathogen outbreaks. While some incidents were quickly contained, others revealed deep flaws in supply chains, sanitation, and regulatory oversight. Several key themes emerge:
- Raw milk cheese remains controversial and poses higher risk due to lack of pasteurization.
- Soft cheeses are especially vulnerable to listeria and other pathogens, making strict hygiene essential.
- Labeling and manufacturing errors can create widespread disruption — even when they don’t directly cause illness.
- Food recalls don’t just affect consumers — they impact producers, retailers, regulators, and public trust.
Final Thought: Know What You’re Eating
Whether you’re slicing Brie for a charcuterie board or melting American singles on toast, it pays to be an informed cheese lover. Stay updated on food recalls, read labels carefully, and don’t ignore news from the FDA or CDC. Cheese may be comfort food — but only when it’s safe.