By THE ALASKA STORY
Feb. 26, 2026 – Alaskans who recently purchased Great Value cottage cheese from Walmart may want to check their refrigerators.
On Feb. 24, Saputo Cheese USA Inc. announced a voluntary recall of select Great Value cottage cheese products due to concerns that some liquid dairy ingredients used in the products may not have been fully pasteurized according to state regulatory standards.
The affected products were distributed to Walmart stores and distribution centers in Alaska between Feb. 17 and Feb. 20, 2026, along with shipments to more than two dozen other states.
While no illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported, consuming dairy products that are not fully pasteurized can pose health risks — particularly for young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
According to the company, the problem was identified during routine pasteurizer troubleshooting exercises conducted in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Saputo said it initiated the recall out of an abundance of caution.
The recalled items were sold under Walmart’s Great Value store brand. Consumers can view specific product codes and packaging details on the FDA’s recall page here.
Alaskans who purchased Great Value cottage cheese during the affected dates should:
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Check the FDA recall notice for specific product codes and lot numbers
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Avoid consuming the product
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Return it to Walmart for a refund
Food recalls can take longer to clear shelves in Alaska due to shipping timelines and supply chain logistics, so consumers are encouraged to verify product codes carefully.
