As consumers, there are dozens of companies we can choose from when it’s time to go grocery shopping and stock our pantry. Normally, we buy from places that give us the most confidence, places where we feel the quality-to-price ratio is fairly good and where we believe the food safety and sanitation controls are adequate for us.
But… sometimes, failures happen that make that trust collapse like a house of cards, and that’s exactly what recently happened to Aldi, which has caused major concern after notifying the FDA that they have been selling spoiled cheese.
What happened to Aldi?
They’ve issued a Class II recall for the public’s favourite cheese due to possible contamination, after discovering that the product could be contaminated with metal (stainless steel) inside the packaging in which it was sold.
Naturally, this has alarmed consumers, who rushed to their fridges to check whether the recalled lot is there or not (and if you haven’t done it yet, it’s time to do so), because when it comes to food contaminated with metal fragments, there is no room for error.
Can this affect our health?
Of course it can. Imagine consuming food for an extended period that you thought was safe but was actually contaminated with metal… You can imagine the consequences, right?
Which brand was recalled?
The affected product is Happy Farms by ALDI Colby Jack, a shredded cheese that combines Colby and Monterey Jack. This private-label Aldi cheese was sold in 12-ounce (340 g) stand-up pouches. A total of 4,800 packages were distributed across Aldi supermarkets in four states.
Where was this product distributed?
The affected lots were shipped to stores in Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. If you live in one of these states and recently bought cheese at Aldi, check the label carefully.
- Key facts about the recalled product:
- Name: Happy Farms by ALDI Colby Jack
- Contents: Shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese blend
- Weight: 12 oz (340 g)
- Expiration dates: July 13 and 14, 2025
And if I already have it at home?
The warning is clear: if you find one of these packages in your fridge, do not eat it and throw it away immediately. On the other hand, if you have already consumed this product and are experiencing unusual symptoms, go to the doctor immediately and bring the product with you (or inform them that you ate it) so they can perform a full checkup.
Although Aldi hasn’t issued a public statement, its internal safety system triggered a “pull-from-sale” alert instructing employees to remove the affected products from the shelves right away.
What is Aldi?
Aldi is an international supermarket chain of German origin, known for offering products at very low prices but with good quality. Its business model is based on simple stores, minimal staff, and a limited selection of products (mainly private-label brands).
In our country, it has gained a lot of popularity for having lower prices compared to other brands. Who doesn’t like saving money on their monthly grocery bill?
What is a Class II recall?
When this happens, it means the FDA considers the food in question to have a moderate health risk. Although the likelihood of serious effects is low, there is still a chance the product could cause harm. In this case, it could lead to oral injuries, digestive issues, or more serious complications if not detected in time…
These types of alerts are essential so consumers can continue shopping with peace of mind at their trusted stores. Among other reasons, it means food surveillance is working and errors are caught quickly, minimizing harm to those who may have bought or eaten the product.
So, if you were planning to have homemade burgers tonight… Check the cheese before!
