The Labeling Error That Caused Great Lakes Cheese Co. To Recall Over 7 Million Pounds Of Cheese - Tasting Table

"We've all made small mistakes in the kitchen, and suffered disastrous consequences. In the food processing industry, however, the tiniest oversight can trigger a crisis at a completely different scale, as Great Lakes Cheese learnt two years ago, when they had to recall over 7 million pounds of cheese. And what was the error that sparked one of the biggest cheese recalls in American history? Incorrect refrigeration instructions on their labels."

"Incidentally, label errors accounted for nearly half the total product recalls in 2024. According to analysis by supply chain giants Loftware, 192 of the 422 instances of food being pulled back was because of incorrect labeling. The report pegs the estimated cost of these recalls at $1.92 billion. Clearly, there's no such thing as a "small mistake" when it comes to the manufacturing and packaging industry."

"Great Lakes Cheese Co. is the leading cheese manufacturer and packager in America, and this recall affected products from over 20 different brands, including Essential Everyday, ALDI and Walmart's Great Value. There is a long list of Do's and Don'ts of refrigerating cheese, and this changes from one type to the next. Wrong, or unclear instructions could lead to spoilage. For most people, the effects of consuming bad cheese can range from mild food poisoning to moderate allergic reaction."

Great Lakes Cheese Co., America's leading cheese manufacturer and packager, recalled over 7 million pounds of cheese because of incorrect refrigeration instructions on finished product labels. The recall affected products from more than 20 brands, including Essential Everyday, ALDI and Walmart's Great Value. The FDA classified the 2023 recalls as Class III, indicating manufacturing or packaging errors unlikely to pose health risks, noting that cheese may not be refrigerated at the customer level due to varying label instructions. Labeling errors accounted for nearly half of 2024 recalls, costing an estimated $1.92 billion.

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