A nationwide safety alert has been triggered after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded a major recall involving shredded cheese sold at Walmart, Target, ALDI, and dozens of other major retailers. The voluntary recall affects more than 1.5 million bags of cheese produced by Great Lakes Cheese Co., one of the country’s largest suppliers of private-label dairy products.

The FDA upgraded the recall to a Class II hazard, warning that the cheese “may contain metal fragments” originating from supplier raw materials. According to the agency, consuming the affected products could lead to temporary or medically reversible health issues, including:

• Dental injuries
• Cuts inside the mouth or throat
• Intestinal lacerations or perforation

These findings were published in an FDA incident report addressing metal contamination events.

Where the recalled cheese was sold

The cheeses were sold under dozens of store brands at major U.S. retailers—many of which consumers may buy weekly without realizing they share the same manufacturer. Impacted retailers include:

• ALDI
• Target (Good & Gather brand)
• Walmart (Great Value brand)
• Publix
• Sprouts Farmers Market
• H-E-B
• Schnucks
• Brookshire’s
• Stater Bros.

Distribution spanned 31 states, including Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Oklahoma, Alabama, and more.

What types of cheese are included?

The recall is massive, spanning a wide range of shredded cheese products such as:

• 
  Mozzarella
• Mozzarella & Provolone blends
• Italian-style blends
• Pizza-style blends
• Parmesan-infused mixes
• Fine, classic, and thick-cut shredded varieties

Store brands such as Happy Farms (ALDI), Good & Gather (Target), Great Value (Walmart), Lucerne Dairy Farms, Food Lion, Cache Valley Creamery, Laura Lynn, and many others appear on the FDA list.

A complete SKU-level breakdown—with UPC codes, lot numbers, and sell-by dates—is available on the official FDA recall page.

How did metal contamination occur?

According to FDA documentation, the issue originated from raw materials supplied to Great Lakes Cheese, which were later incorporated into shredded cheese production. During routine testing, investigators detected metal fragments, initiating the first recall in October. The hazard level was increased on December 1, prompting nationwide warnings.

What consumers should do immediately

The FDA urges customers not to consume the recalled cheese. Instead:

Throw it away safely, or
Return it to the retailer for a full refund—no receipt necessary at most participating stores.

This recall is still ongoing, and more products could be added as the FDA continues reviewing supply chain data.

Why this recall matters

Shredded cheese is a household staple for millions of American families, used in everything from pizza and quesadillas to casseroles and pasta. With distribution across major retailers, this recall highlights recurring concerns about food safety, third-party suppliers, and the growing complexity of nationwide grocery chains.

Great Lakes Cheese—one of the country’s biggest dairy processors—is a major supplier for private labels, meaning consumers often have no idea the same manufacturer produces cheese for multiple competing grocery chains.

Food safety advocates say this recall serves as a reminder to stay alert to FDA announcements, especially when products are used in children’s lunches and everyday home cooking.

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Urinary problems are often brushed aside as a routine part of ageing, but for many men above 50, they can become a major disruption to daily life. When frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom begin affecting sleep, work, and personal comfort, experts say it may signal a more serious issue that requires medical attention.

In a conversation with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ravi Shankar J C, consultant – urology at Manipal Hospital, Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru, explained that the most common cause behind these symptoms is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlargement of the prostate. While the condition is not cancerous, its impact on quality of life can be significant.

“As men grow older, the prostate naturally increases in size. For many, this growth becomes significant enough to block urine flow,” Dr Shankar said. “It squeezes the urinary passage, making it harder to start urination, empty the bladder fully, or maintain a steady flow. It’s common, but it can seriously affect daily life when the blockage becomes severe.”

Early signs men shouldn’t ignore

According to Dr Shankar, the first symptoms are subtle and often mistaken for ageing. Key indicators include:

• frequent urges to urinate, especially at night
• weak urine flow
• straining to pass urine
• a constant feeling that the bladder is not empty

“These early signs should not be ignored,” he stated. In more advanced cases, men may suddenly be unable to urinate at all, requiring urgent catheterisation.

Why surgery isn’t always an option

Traditional prostate procedures such as TURP or laser surgery are effective, but they require spinal or general anaesthesia. Many elderly patients are not ideal candidates.

“Patients with heart disease, those on blood thinners, or those who have undergone joint replacement or have neurological disorders may face major risks during surgery,” Dr Shankar explained. As a result, doctors increasingly look for less invasive solutions.

Rezum therapy: a simpler, safer alternative

One such option gaining attention is Rezum therapy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses controlled steam energy to shrink prostate tissue.

“Instead of cutting or removing tissue, short bursts of steam shrink the enlarged prostate from within,” Dr Shankar said. The procedure:

• takes around 10 minutes
• can be done under local anaesthesia or light sedation
• generally does not require stopping blood thinners
• allows patients to go home the same day

Another major advantage, he added, is that Rezum typically preserves sexual function, a concern for many men.

How effective is it?

Studies have shown that Rezum offers results comparable to traditional surgery, with fewer risks for suitable patients. It has become increasingly popular in Western countries and is now slowly gaining traction in India.

Dr Shankar shared a case that highlights its benefits: an elderly patient with Parkinson’s, recent hip surgery, and on blood thinners was unable to undergo conventional surgery. After months of urinary retention and failed attempts to urinate naturally, he received Rezum treatment.

“The intervention was quick, and once his catheter was removed, he was able to urinate on his own again,” Dr Shankar said. For such patients, the therapy offers independence without the strain of major surgery.

With rising awareness and improved access, Rezum therapy is emerging as a practical option for men who want relief from urinary symptoms without long recovery periods or surgical risks.

When you think of Leisel Jones, you picture Olympic glory, world records, and a career that made her one of Australia’s most celebrated athletes. But behind the gold medals and the bright smile, Jones has been quietly fighting a battle many women are too embarrassed to talk about: hair loss.

The 39-year-old former swimmer recently opened up in an emotional interview with 7NEWS, admitting that she began noticing alarming changes in her hair nearly 18 months ago.

“I was having a shower and washing my hair and then huge clumps were falling out,” Jones revealed. “It’s something that is incredibly frustrating.”

A taboo struggle for women

While male pattern baldness is a common subject of conversation, women’s hair loss remains shrouded in silence. Jones believes this lack of dialogue only makes it harder for those experiencing it.

“As a woman we do pride ourselves on having beautiful luscious hair,” she said. “Once you start realising it’s falling out, it becomes very concerning.”

Her words strike a chord with countless women who may quietly suffer without the platform or confidence to seek help.

Intensive treatment and recovery

Determined not to let the condition dictate her confidence, Jones embarked on what she calls “pretty intensive treatment” over the past three months. Her routine included:

• Daily nutritional supplements
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections directly into her scalp
• Specialized laser therapy
• Serum-based topical formulas

To her relief, the treatment has delivered rapid results.

“It’s been a great journey and I’ve loved being so proactive about that,” she explained. “It has been hugely successful in under three months, which has been great.”

Jones added that her hair is already regaining the healthy look she once enjoyed.

Was chlorine to blame?

Given her decades-long career in the pool, many have wondered if constant exposure to chlorine contributed to her condition. Jones didn’t dismiss the possibility.

“Let’s just say the chlorine is not a great start,” she joked, before clarifying that she has been retired for many years.

The four-time Olympian, who competed in Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and London 2012, believes her hair health is now on the path to full recovery.

Beyond the pool: Jones’ legacy

Jones is more than a swimmer; she’s a household name in Australian sport. She won nine Olympic medals in total — three gold, five silver, and one bronze — cementing her as one of the most successful swimmers in history.

Her impact stretches beyond her record-breaking performances. As a commentator, speaker, and advocate for mental health, Jones has consistently used her platform to inspire resilience both inside and outside of the pool.

By speaking about her private health struggle, she’s opening another important conversation — one about women’s health, confidence, and the stigma around hair loss.

Why this matters

Hair loss, especially in women, is often tied to self-esteem and identity. By addressing her own experience publicly, Jones is helping to normalize a discussion that is typically hidden in whispers.

Her honesty may encourage more women to explore treatments, consult specialists, and take proactive steps without shame.

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Stories like Jones’ remind us that even champions face battles outside the spotlight. For updates on global sports, health, and lifestyle news, visit www.DailyGlobalDiary.com.