• More than 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese recalled for potential metal contamination.
• The recall includes various brands sold at Walmart, Target, Aldi, and others.
• The FDA classified the recall as "Class II," indicating possible health risks.
• Customers are urged to return products for a refund if purchased.
• The products were distributed across 31 states and Puerto Rico.

More than 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese products have been recalled following concerns that they may contain metal fragments, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall, initiated by Great Lakes Cheese Co., affects various brands sold at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Aldi, encompassing 31 states and Puerto Rico, with sell-by dates extending to March 2026, as noted by multiple sources including CBS News, The Hill, and India Times.

The FDA reclassified the recall on December 1 to Class II, which refers to a situation where use or exposure could lead to "temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences," although serious consequences are deemed unlikely. A total of approximately 236,000 cases of low-moisture mozzarella shredded cheese are part of this recall, making it one of the largest food recalls in recent times, as confirmed by both Los Angeles Times and NPR.

The specific brands involved in the recall include names such as Good & Gather, Great Value, and several private labels from stores like Aldi and Target. The affected products include various types of shredded mozzarella and Italian-style cheeses, with cases having sell-by dates ranging from January to late March 2026. Consumers are advised to check their purchases and return any recalled cheese products to the point of sale for a full refund, according to The Hill, India Times, and Los Angeles Times.

The FDA's ongoing investigation highlights the seriousness of food safety protocols, emphasizing that even temporary exposure to contaminated products can pose health risks. As a precaution, customers who have purchased any shredded cheese from the recalled list are recommended to monitor for potential symptoms associated with ingestion of metal fragments, which include digestive issues, according to reports by CBS News and NPR.