Leprino Foods, the world's largest mozzarella producer, is closing its 115-year-old East Plant in Lemoore, California, in early 2026, resulting in over 300 job losses, due to factors like high operating costs and new capacity in Texas, though its West Plant will remain open.
Multiple cheese products, including shredded mozzarella and grated Pecorino Romano, are being recalled nationwide due to contamination concerns, with some products containing metal fragments and others testing positive for Listeria, prompting widespread consumer advisories and product withdrawals.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, suggests that mozzarella cheese can be part of a heart-healthy diet due to its lower levels of saturated fat and sodium, and its high protein and calcium content. He advises choosing mozzarella with lower sodium content and avoiding heavily processed cheeses like American cheese, which tend to be high in saturated fat and sodium. When focusing on heart health, it's important to opt for foods high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and low in sodium, and to consume cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist, suggests that cheese can be part of a heart-healthy diet if chosen carefully, with mozzarella being a good option due to its lower saturated fat and sodium content, high protein, and calcium. He advises avoiding heavily processed cheeses like American cheese, which are high in saturated fat and sodium, and recommends opting for foods high in fiber and low in saturated fat and sodium for heart health.