Great Lakes Cheese
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Safe Quality Foods

Frequently Asked Questions

At Great Lakes Cheese, our commitment to quality is the cornerstone of our success. We understand that satisfying our customers’ needs is paramount to achieving business viability. GLC continuously strives to produce a safe, quality product that meets or exceeds our customers’ expectations. This is accomplished through excellent customer service, consistency, and the dedication of our employees.

​Is cheese supplied from Great Lakes Cheese gluten-free?

Yes, GLC products are gluten-free.

​Are products from Great Lakes Cheese rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) or rBST (recombinant bovine somatotropin) free?

No, unless labeled as such.

​There's some mold on the cheese. What should I do?

Although most molds are harmless, to be safe, cut away or remove a ½ to ¾ inch of cheese on all sides of the visible mold. The flavor of the remaining cheese should still be fine, however, we recommend using it up as quickly as possible.

​How long is my cheese good once it's been opened?

Ideally, cheese is best if consumed within three-to-five days and kept in optimal storage conditions.

​How should cheese be stored?

Cheese should be stored at temperatures of 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit. As cheese is subject to picking up odors, it's recommended it be stored out of airflow within the refrigerator to prevent flavor contamination from other stored foods.

If the original or manufacturer's packaging is removed, rewrap the cheese tightly with plastic film, closeable plastic bags or foil to prevent air pockets around the cheese. To help protect the cheese from molding and/or to help slow down the molding process, keep the cheese in an air-tight container as much as possible.

​Can cheese be frozen?

We don't recommend freezing our cheeses, as it could affect the quality of the product. If you do choose to freeze, it's recommended the cheese be thawed out in the refrigerator and used as soon as possible after thawing.

​What does the 'use by/sell by' code on the package mean?

The "use by/sell by" code means that if all the manufacturer's packaging seals aren't compromised/opened and the product is stored at the recommended temperature range (35-45 degrees Fahrenheit), the product should maintain its quality and flavor characteristics. The zipper, if applicable, isn't considered a manufacturer's packaging seal.

​Is there lactose in Great Lakes' cheeses?

All cheeses start with a level of lactose, but as they age, those levels dissipate. Lactose levels in cheese are very low, but there might be trace amounts.

If you're concerned, consult your dietician or family physician prior to consumption.

​Does your cheese contain animal derived enzymes/cultures?

Microbial-based enzymes/cultures are used in the production of our natural cheeses.

​Are there antibiotics in Great Lakes Cheese products?

No. We're required to test all incoming milk for antibiotics according to all federal and state laws and regulations.

​Are there allergens used in Great Lakes Cheese products?

Milk is the only allergen present in Great Lakes Cheese products.

​Are there genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Great Lakes Cheese products?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't issued a code of federal regulation for the food industry. Therefore, at this time, we can't identify our products as GMO-free.

​Does Great Lakes Cheese use sustainable palm oil in their products?

Yes, we use sustainable palm oil in the production of our processed cheeses.

State of the Art Manufacturing Facilities

Our commitment to customer service has driven our expansion. As delivery needs grew, Great Lakes Cheese strategically placed plants to ensure our cheeses arrived fresh and on-time. Constant improvement at all levels of our operation is our service commitment to our customers.

Manufacturing Facilities ​

Our Happy Employees

Amber Bacon, Product Marketing Specialist

"One of the greatest feelings is waking up in the morning and looking forward to work. I love my job, thanks to this amazing family-owned company, as well as my colleagues, who I now consider family." Amber Bacon, Associate Product Manager

Trent Lattimore, Packaging Engineer

"Coming from a larger, publicly-held company, I can attest to the family atmosphere the Great Lakes Cheese environment brings to the table. From the production floor to the front office, everyone is ready to help you accomplish your goals, and does so with a smile. All employees want to see the company succeed, and there's a true sense of teamwork anywhere you go." Trent Lattimore, Packaging Engineer

Erin Shirkey, Director of Sales Operations

"Great Lakes Cheese was not the place I originally expected to find a career, but it's now a place I truly appreciate. With hard work and great mentors, I've been able to advance into new roles as my experience and skills have developed. I've worked here for almost 20 years, but each day, I still continue to learn and be challenged." Erin Shirkey, Director of Sales Operations

Mark Gray, Customer Service Representative

"I’ve been employed with GLC for over 20 years. After hearing from several friends who were working here, especially about the ESOP plan and job security, I decided to exit the construction field for a new career. I’m so glad I made that decision, and the experience of working in both production and the front office has been challenging and rewarding. Being able to participate and contribute to a steadily growing family-oriented business, as an employee-owner, and with the best benefits in the industry, has kept me firmly planted here at GLC." Mark Gray, Customer Service Representative

Nick Ruskiewicz, Sales Operations Coordinator

"I was recently hired by Great Lakes Cheese as a Customer Service Representative. I realized early on what a powerful commitment to teamwork all employees have here. To work in an office atmosphere where the company succeeds by others doing for others to achieve goals regardless of departments is truly eye opening! Great Lakes Cheese is a very large company that feels like a very large family to me. I’m so excited being part of this GLC team and having the opportunity to participate and contribute to such a successful company."Nick Ruskiewicz, Sales Operations Coordinator

Brian Milnark - Pricing Analyst

"You would think working for a large organization it would be difficult to see yourself making a difference but Great Lakes Cheese is not your typical employer. GLC provides the tools and a supportive team-oriented work environment that allows me to excel at my job. They also offer an Employee Stock Ownership Plan and a 401k Plan to their employees. This gives me the greatest benefit of all, knowing that I’ll have the means to retire when the time comes."Brian Milnark, Pricing Analyst

Tyler Mazanec, Regional Account Manager

"I was recently hired by Great Lakes Cheese as an Account Manager. Throughout my short time here, I have truly felt the family atmosphere that everyone talks about at Great Lakes. This was one of the many reasons why I chose to come work here. Everyone has a great sense of team work and will go out of their way to help you if you need it. It is one of the few companies that truly cares about the success of each employee."Tyler Mazanec, Regional Account Manager

Join Our Team ​