Latest Cheese Recalls 2025: Which Brands to Avoid
Imagine slicing into a block of cheese for your child’s sandwich, only to later discover it was part of a nationwide recall. In 2025, cheese recalls have spiked, leaving households scrambling to check pantries and refrigerators. From Listeria outbreaks to metal fragments, the risks are real—but so are the solutions. Let’s break down what you need to know to stay safe.
Table of Contents
2025 Cheese Recall Overview: A Year of Rising Risks
Key Points :
Geographic spread: Major recalls in the U.S. (Aldi, Happy Farms) and UK (Spar, Tesco).
Surge in recalls: Over 20 cheese products recalled globally since late 2024, with 2025 seeing a 30% increase in contamination-related alerts.
Primary threats :
Listeria monocytogenes: Linked to severe illness in pregnant individuals, newborns, and the elderly.
Metal contamination: Stainless steel and machinery fragments found in shredded cheeses.
Brands to Avoid in 2025: Listeria and Metal Contamination Alerts
Listeria-Linked Recalls
- Old Irish Creamery Cheddar (Spar): Recalled in February 2025 due to Listeria contamination. Affected SKUs include Red Wine and Sriracha flavors.
- Wicklow Gold Cheddar: FDA flagged Nettle & Chive and Tomato & Herb varieties for Listeria risks.
- Queso Fresco: Sabana brand recalled in June 2024 for Staphylococcus aureus, with ongoing concerns in 2025.
Metal Contamination Warnings
- Aldi’s Happy Farms Colby Jack: Stainless steel fragments discovered in shredded cheese (March 2025).
- Tesco/Spar Cheeses: 18 products recalled in March 2025 due to metal traces.
High-Risk Recalled Cheeses (2025)
| Brand/Product | Contaminant | Date | Region | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Irish Creamery | Listeria | Feb 2025 | UK | Source |
| Happy Farms Colby Jack | Metal fragments | Mar 2025 | U.S. | Source |
| Sabana Queso Fresco | Staphylococcus aureus | Jun 2024 | U.S. | Source |
Why Are These Recalls Happening? The Root Causes
Why Are These Recalls Happening? The Root Causes
Supply Chain Gaps:
Contamination during production, such as unsanitary equipment in dairy facilities.
Pasteurization Failures:
Raw milk cheeses (e.g., queso fresco) are prone to bacterial growth if not properly pasteurized.
Packaging Flaws:
Machinery defects led to metal fragments in shredded cheeses like Aldi’s Colby Jack.
How to Check If Your Cheese Is Recalled: A Step-by-Step Guide
Verify Batch Numbers :
Compare labels with FDA/CDC recall lists. For example, Old Irish Creamery’s recalled SKUs end with “25”.
Sign Up for Alerts :
Visit FDA.gov or FoodSafety.gov for real-time updates.
Check Retailer Notifications :
Stores like Aldi and Tesco send email alerts to loyalty program members.
Safe Cheese Alternatives: What to Buy Instead
Low-Risk Options
- Hard Cheeses : Aged cheddar or Parmesan (low moisture inhibits bacterial growth) 48.
- Pasteurized Cheeses : Look for “pasteurized milk” on labels, such as Cacique Queso Fresco 7.
Safe Cheese Substitutes
| Type | Brand Example | Why It’s Safe |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | Kerrygold | Pasteurized, no recalls |
| Queso Fresco | Cacique | Pasteurized, FDA-compliant |
Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Pregnancy, Children, and Seniors
Symptoms of Listeriosis: Fever, muscle aches, nausea—seek medical help if experienced after consumption.
Pregnancy: Avoid soft cheeses unless labeled pasteurized. Cotija and queso fresco are high-risk.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe
Your family’s health starts with informed choices. Bookmark this guide, share it with loved ones, and always double-check labels. When in doubt, contact retailers or the FDA directly for clarification.
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FAQ
What should I do if I have a recalled cheese?
Dispose of it immediately and contact the retailer for a refund.
How often do cheese recalls happen?
Over 15 major recalls reported since 2024, with 2025 seeing a sharp rise.
Is cotija cheese safe during pregnancy?
Only if pasteurized. Check for recalls like Spar’s Old Irish Creamery.
Can Listeria survive in refrigerated cheese?
Yes. Listeria thrives in cold environments, making refrigeration ineffective.
Are organic cheeses safer?
Not necessarily. Recalls affect both organic and conventional brands.
