Aldi Recalls Happy Farms Cheese Over Contamination Risk

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — More than 4,000 bags of Aldi‘s Happy Farms shredded cheese have been recalled due to potential contamination with foreign matter, specifically stainless steel fragments. The recall was initiated by the manufacturer, Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc., on February 15, 2025, and was publicly announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 19, 2025.

The affected product is the Happy Farms Colby Jack shredded cheese, a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. This recall is classified as Class II, meaning that while there is a potential for “temporary or medically reversible” health consequences, the risk of serious harm is minimal.

The recall is limited to products sold in Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, specifically bags with best-by dates of July 13, 2025, and July 14, 2025. Approximately 400 cases, totaling 4,800 individual pouches, were distributed to these states.

As of now, Aldi has not confirmed whether the affected bags remain on store shelves. Customers are strongly advised to check their refrigerators for this product and should not consume it if it matches the description. Instead, they should either dispose of the cheese or return it to any Aldi store for a full refund or replacement.

This incident marks the second recall from Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. in 2025. Earlier in January, the company recalled its Our Family American Cheese Slices due to a “flavor discrepancy,” which did not pose a food safety risk but also prompted customers to return the product.

The FDA’s recall announcement emphasized the importance of consumer awareness, highlighting that individuals must remain vigilant when checking product labels. Aldi has encouraged customers to report any unreturned products to their local stores for monitoring.

In related events, the FDA recently issued a recall relating to multiple products due to various health risks, emphasizing the ongoing need for consumers to be cautious about food safety.

Aldi’s representative has yet to respond to requests for additional comments regarding the recall.