The US Food and Drug Administration has issued an urgent update on a nationwide recall involving more than 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese. Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. first announced the voluntary recall on October 3 after discovering the products may contain metal fragments, which can cause internal injury if consumed.
On December 1, the FDA escalated the recall to a Class I designation, warning that the products “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.”
The recalled cheese was sold in five varieties under numerous brand names at major retailers including Target, Walmart, and Aldi across over 30 states and Puerto Rico. The FDA is urging consumers not to eat the affected products and to dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase for a refund.
As more and more products are recalled, a pattern of risk is emerging that touches nearly every grocery aisle. But why the sudden surge? What is behind this rapid uptick? Click through this gallery to find out what’s fueling the rise in food recalls, the unseen risks in our supply, and how you can stay vigilant to keep your next grocery run a little safer.