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Massive Cheese Recall Sweeps Illinois, Hits Major Retailers Including Walmart, Target, Aldi

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. jor-retailers-including-walmart-target-aldi.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 9:54 GMT by Patch

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Massive Cheese Recall Sweeps Illinois, Hits Major Retailers Including Walmart, Target, Aldi

A sweeping recall of more than 13,000 pounds of cheese has been announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after a routine quality‑control test detected the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in a batch of pre‑sliced cheese. The recall—encompassing a wide variety of cheeses sold in Illinois and across the United States—includes products that can be found at Walmart, Target, Aldi, and other grocery chains. Consumers who have purchased any of the affected cheeses are urged to check the product packaging for the specific lot codes listed below and to discard or return the product if it matches.

What’s in the Recall?

According to the FDA’s recall notice, the following products are affected:

(For a full list of lot numbers and product variations, see the FDA’s official recall database or the company’s press release linked in the article.)

The recall covers all cheese products manufactured in the United States between 2019 and 2021 that bear the aforementioned lot numbers. While the FDA has not reported any illnesses directly linked to this batch of cheese, it’s standard practice to pull potentially contaminated products from the market to prevent any risk of listeriosis—a severe infection that can cause meningitis, septicemia, and, in extreme cases, death. Pregnant women, elderly adults, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease.

Why the Recall?

The FDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) discovered Listeria monocytogenes during a routine safety test on a sample of Kraft cheese that had been produced in 2020. In accordance with the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) guidelines, the company voluntarily requested a recall and notified the FDA, which issued the recall order on December 26, 2023. The recall is one of the largest in the brand’s history and underscores the importance of rigorous quality control and rapid response to potential contamination.

Where It’s Sold

The recall specifically targets products sold through the following retailers:

• Walmart (both in‑store and online)
• Target
• Aldi
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Trader Joe’s

The recall notice lists the affected chain stores and the particular product variations sold at each location. The recall is not limited to Illinois, but Patch’s article focuses on Illinois consumers because the majority of the affected stores in the state carry these products.

Consumers who purchase these cheeses at other retailers are also advised to check the packaging for the same lot numbers. If you find a product that matches the recall, the FDA advises that you do not eat it. Instead, dispose of it in a sealed bag in the trash or, if you prefer, return it to the place of purchase for a refund. The manufacturer has provided a “Recall FAQ” on its website that outlines the return process and answers common questions.

How to Check Your Cheese

1. Look for the lot code on the bottom of the cheese box or on the individual wrapper. The lot code is a six‑digit number that will match one of the numbers listed above.
2. Compare the product name and size to the recall table. If both match, the cheese is subject to the recall.
3. Check the recall status by visiting the FDA’s recall database or the company’s website. A quick search by product name or lot number will confirm whether your cheese is affected.
4. Follow the recall instructions for disposal or return. If you’re unsure how to return the product, call the manufacturer’s customer service line or the retailer’s customer service center.

What to Do If You’ve Already Consumed the Cheese

If you suspect you have eaten one of the recalled cheeses, keep a close eye on any signs of illness, such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, or confusion. The most common symptoms of listeriosis are similar to the flu, and the infection can progress rapidly. If you experience any of these symptoms—especially if you are pregnant, elderly, or have a weakened immune system—contact your healthcare provider immediately. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise prompt medical attention for anyone who suspects they have contracted listeriosis.

A Broader Look at Food Safety

This recall has reignited the conversation around food safety and the responsibilities of food manufacturers, retailers, and regulators. The FDA’s recall database, which can be accessed through the FDA’s official website, lists over 2,500 recalls made in the past decade. While most are for minor contamination or packaging defects, a handful of recalls have resulted in serious illness and even fatalities.

The recall also highlights the importance of traceability in the food supply chain. With modern databases and improved communication between regulators, manufacturers, and retailers, the FDA can now identify and isolate contaminated products more quickly than ever before. In this case, the recall was initiated promptly after the detection of Listeria and was disseminated to the public through multiple channels, including the FDA’s website, the manufacturer’s website, and local news outlets like Patch.

Stay Informed

For the latest updates on the recall, consumers can check the FDA’s recall database or sign up for email alerts on the company’s website. The recall notice itself is available on the FDA’s website and is also posted on the manufacturer’s official site. The Patch article links to both the FDA’s database and the manufacturer’s recall FAQ, making it easy for readers to verify whether their cheese is affected and how to respond.

In summary, Illinois consumers—and anyone who bought Kraft cheese products from major retailers—should be aware of this large recall and take immediate action if they find that they have a product with a matching lot code. By acting quickly and following the FDA’s instructions, you can help prevent the spread of Listeria monocytogenes and protect the health of your family.