A nationwide recall of certain Great Value brand cottage cheese sold at Walmart has been issued after federal regulators identified potential pasteurization problems in specific lots of the product. According to an FDA recall notice, the affected cottage cheese may not have been fully pasteurized, raising food safety concerns for consumers.

Improperly pasteurized dairy products can carry a heightened risk of foodborne illness. Federal health guidance notes that children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems face the greatest danger from unpasteurized or improperly processed dairy. The FDA’s alert identifies the impacted lots and advises customers to discontinue use of the product immediately.

According to reporting by KGW, the recalled items were distributed across multiple states, including Washington. Local supermarkets in Cowlitz County carry Great Value dairy products as part of Walmart’s national supply chain, meaning shoppers in Longview and Kelso may have purchased the affected lots.

The FDA notice states that retailers have been instructed to remove the recalled products from shelves. Customers who believe they bought an affected item can identify recalled containers by checking the lot numbers listed in the agency’s alert. The FDA’s recall notice also includes guidance on refunds and proper disposal.

At the time of publication, federal officials had not reported any confirmed illnesses linked to the recall. The FDA states that the action was taken as a precaution following internal review by the manufacturer.

Why this matters for Cowlitz County

Walmart operates major stores in Longview and Woodland, serving a significant share of local grocery customers. Recalls involving widely distributed store-brand products can have immediate local implications, particularly for households with children or elders who rely on affordable dairy staples. Public health officials routinely emphasize the importance of monitoring recall notices, which remain one of the primary tools for preventing foodborne illness.

Sources
FDA: Cottage cheese recall notice (official filing)
KGW: Cottage cheese sold at Walmart recalled over pasteurization concern, FDA says