Shredded cheese being sorted during production

Food Safety and Quality

As a food packager and manufacturer, Great Lakes Cheese has an enormous responsibility to earn our customers’ trust and keep consumers safe.

Consistently High-Quality

We work tirelessly to process, package, and deliver the safest possible products with intention and care.

Consumer Care FAQs

Is cheese supplied from Great Lakes Cheese gluten-free?

All products produced by Great Lakes Cheese are gluten-free, unless otherwise stated on the label to contain wheat.

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

Some products produced by Great Lakes Cheese are rBGH or rBST free, and labeling states as such. Please contact Great Lakes Cheese with product UPC for more product information by clicking here.

Does your cheese contain animal derived enzymes/cultures?

Microbial based enzymes are used in the production of most natural cheese products by Great Lakes Cheese. Lipase enzymes may be animal or microbial based and may not be suitable for a vegan or lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. Typical cheeses that use lipase enzymes are Provolone, Romano, Asiago, Fontina, Feta, and Blue Cheeses. Please contact Great Lakes Cheese and provide product UPC for more product information by clicking here.

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

At this time a federal definition for “genetically modified organisms” or “GMO” does not exist. Therefore, Great Lakes Cheese cannot confirm products are “GMO-Free”. All products produced by Great Lakes Cheese comply with USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard and contain disclosure labeling if required.

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

Yes, products produced by Great Lakes Cheese that contain palm oil use palm oil that is certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

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

Although most molds are harmless, to be safe, cut away a 1/2 inch of cheese around the visible mold.

How long is the shelf-life of cheese once the product has been opened?

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

How should cheese be stored?

Cheese should be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures of 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit. Cheese should be stored in an air-tight container, wrapped tightly with plastic film or in a closeable plastic bag to help protect the cheese from molding and/or to help slow down the molding process.

​Can cheese be frozen?

We don’t recommend freezing cheese, 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 'best by' date code on the package mean?

We recommend using our products prior to the best by date stamped on the package. Cheese that is opened prior to the best by date is best if used within 3-5 days of opening.

Is there lactose in products produced by Great Lakes Cheese?

All natural cheeses start with a level of lactose, but as they age, those levels may dissipate. Please consult your dietician or family physician prior to consumption.

​Are there antibiotics in products produced by Great Lakes Cheese?

Great Lakes Cheese and the Great Lakes Cheese vendor network comply with FDA’s Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) and its regulations regarding milk receiving and antibiotics. Milk must be tested for the antibiotics as listed in the regulation, and if positive, the milk may not enter the milk supply.

Are there allergens used in products produced by Great Lakes Cheese?

Please refer to product labeling for product allergen information. All Great Lakes Cheese manufacturing facilities operate under strict allergen cross-contamination prevention procedures.

What should I do if the expiration date has passed?

We do not recommend consuming expired product.

Are products produced by Great Lakes Cheese Kosher or Halal certified?

Please refer to product labeling for Kosher and Halal information. Great Lakes Cheese retail products are not Kosher or Halal certified.

How do I obtain nutrition information/ingredient statement, or a specific detail for my product?

If you have specific questions about product information please submit an inquiry to our Consumer Care team here.

There is something wrong with my product. What do I do?

If you have specific questions or concerns about product you’ve purchased, please submit an inquiry to our Consumer Care team here.

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