Bushra Griffith
It is a common misconception that sawdust is added to cheese, particularly shredded or grated cheese. While this is not true, it is correct that cellulose, an additive derived from plant cell walls, is added to grated cheese to prevent the shreds from sticking together. Cellulose is also found in many other packaged foods, including cereals and granola bars, and is passed through the body without being digested. While some people choose to wash their pre-shredded cheese, experts agree that there is no need to be concerned about the product's safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of sawdust in cheese | Sawdust is not directly added to cheese, but cellulose, which is present in sawdust, is added to grated or shredded cheese as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping |
| Percentage of cellulose in cheese | The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows grated cheese to contain up to 2-4% cellulose, while some brands of Parmesan cheese may contain up to 8.8% cellulose |
| Safety | Cellulose is generally recognized as safe by the FDA and has been approved for use as a food additive since 1973. It is a type of dietary fiber that is not digested by the body and is naturally present in many plant foods |
| Alternative methods to prevent clumping | Some people choose to wash pre-shredded cheese or freeze shredded cheese to remove additives, although this may not be necessary as cellulose is considered safe |
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What You'll Learn
Cellulose is a safe, FDA-approved food additive
It is understandable to be concerned about the contents of your food, especially when headlines claim that your cheese contains sawdust. However, the presence of cellulose in your cheese is not a cause for alarm. Cellulose is a safe and FDA-approved food additive that has been used since 1973.
Firstly, it is important to clarify that cellulose is not sawdust. While it is true that cellulose can be derived from sawdust, by the time it is added to food products, it is a far cry from any wood product. Cellulose is a type of dietary fibre that is found in all plant material, including fruits and vegetables that we consume daily, such as apples and broccoli. It is a basic building block in plants' cell walls, and our bodies do not digest it. Instead, it passes through our system without being absorbed, which can help keep us full and reduce cravings.
The inclusion of cellulose in food products like cheese is intentional and regulated. In grated or shredded cheese, cellulose is added as an anti-caking agent to prevent the cheese shreds from sticking together and clumping. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows grated cheese to contain 2-4% cellulose, and it is labelled as such on the ingredient list. While some may argue that labelling a product as "100% grated Parmesan cheese" when it includes cellulose is misleading, it is essential to understand that cellulose is not an unsafe additive.
The practice of adding cellulose to cheese is safe and common, and it is not the same as adding sawdust to the product. The FDA's approval of cellulose as a food additive confirms its safety for consumption. However, if you prefer to avoid additives or desire a different texture or taste, you can always choose to grate your own cheese or look for ""100% cheese" labels that do not include the word "grated."
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It's found in all plant material
While it may be alarming to learn that your grated Parmesan cheese may contain sawdust, it is important to understand the context behind this statement. Firstly, it is not accurate to say that cheese contains sawdust, as sawdust directly implies wood chips or shavings, and no one is grinding up logs and mixing them with cheese. However, it is true that cheese may contain cellulose, which is found in sawdust and wood pulp, as well as all plant material.
Cellulose is a type of dietary fibre and the primary component of a plant's cell wall. It is present in fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples and broccoli, and is safe for human consumption. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has listed cellulose as a safe food additive since 1973. It is commonly added to packaged foods like cereals and granola bars to increase their fibre content and provide a feeling of fullness.
When it comes to cheese, specifically grated or shredded varieties, cellulose is added as an anti-caking agent to prevent the cheese shreds from sticking together. This practice is done to improve the convenience, cost, and shelf life of the product. While it may be concerning to some, cellulose is not digested by the human body and simply passes through without being absorbed.
The controversy surrounding the presence of cellulose in cheese arises from labelling practices. Some companies market their products as 100% grated Parmesan cheese without explicitly disclosing the presence of cellulose. This has led to legal disputes, with a court deciding in 2018 that such labelling was legal, only to be overturned in late 2020. The full repercussions for cheese companies are still pending, but it is unlikely to change the use of cellulose in cheese, only how these products are labelled in the future.
In conclusion, while it is technically incorrect to state that cheese contains sawdust, it is true that grated or shredded cheese may contain cellulose, which is also found in sawdust and all plant material. This additive is safe for consumption and provides functional benefits to the cheese. However, consumers have a right to accurate labelling, and companies should be transparent about the ingredients in their products.
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It's used as an anti-caking agent in cheese
Sawdust is not added to cheese, but it does contain cellulose, which is found in sawdust. Cellulose is a safe, FDA-approved food additive that has been used since 1973. It is a component of plant cell walls and is present in many fruits and vegetables that we eat daily. In cheese, cellulose acts as an anti-caking agent, preventing the shreds from sticking together and clumping. It is added to grated or shredded cheese, and its presence is indicated on the ingredient list.
The controversy surrounding the inclusion of cellulose in cheese stems from the labelling of certain products as "100% grated Parmesan cheese" or "100% cheese". These labels can be misleading as they imply that the product contains only cheese, when in reality, it contains additional ingredients like cellulose. The distinction between "cheese" and "grated cheese" has significant implications according to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
The addition of cellulose to cheese has raised concerns among consumers, with some opting to wash pre-shredded cheese or choose fresh cheese blocks to shred themselves. However, experts agree that the presence of cellulose in pre-shredded cheese does not pose a safety risk. While it may affect the melting properties and taste of the cheese, cellulose is an indigestible fibre that our bodies do not absorb, regardless of the source.
Cellulose is not the only additive in pre-shredded cheese. Other anti-caking agents, such as potato starch and corn starch, may also be present. Additionally, manufacturers often include natamycin, an antifungal compound, to prevent the growth of mould and yeast, thereby extending the product's shelf life.
While the practice of adding cellulose to cheese may be undesirable to some, it is important to note that it is safe for consumption and can even provide health benefits by adding fibre to the diet. However, for those who wish to avoid additives, choosing fresh cheese blocks or carefully reviewing ingredient lists on packaged products can be a better option.
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It's also used to increase fibre content in foods
Sawdust, or cellulose, is added to grated or shredded cheese to prevent caking and to increase the fibre content. It is also a component of the plant foods we eat daily, such as apples and broccoli. Cellulose is a safe, FDA-approved food additive and has been since 1973. It is a type of dietary fibre that is not digested by the body. Instead, it passes through the body and can help keep you full and reduce cravings.
While some people may be concerned about the presence of sawdust in their cheese, it is important to note that it is not harmful to health and is a common additive in many packaged foods. However, for those who prefer to avoid additives, washing pre-shredded cheese or choosing fresh cheese to shred yourself can be an option.
Cellulose is often derived from sawdust, but by the time it is added to food, it is far removed from any wood product. It is also important to distinguish between the terms "100% cheese" and "100% grated Parmesan cheese". The former indicates that the product contains only cheese, while the latter, due to the word "grated", indicates that it may include other ingredients like cellulose.
The practice of adding cellulose to cheese is done to increase the fibre content and improve the functionality of the product. It is not an unsafe additive and is nearly impossible to avoid completely as it is present in thousands of grocery store products. While the exact percentage of cellulose in grated cheese is regulated, with the FDA allowing up to 4% cellulose, it is still important for consumers to be aware of the presence of these additives and make informed choices based on their preferences.
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TikTok creators recommend washing pre-shredded cheese
Some TikTok creators have recommended washing pre-shredded cheese before using it. In a viral video that has received over 960,000 views, creators Janelle and Kate showed how they wash their pre-shredded cheese, explaining that it is a good way to save time while avoiding additives that keep the cheese from clumping.
The practice involves placing the desired amount of cheese for your recipe into a colander and rinsing it under cool running water. The colander is then shaken to remove excess water before using the cheese. However, it is important to note that this method is not necessary, and experts recommend simply buying blocks of cheese and grating them at home if you want to avoid additives.
The controversy surrounding pre-shredded cheese stems from the presence of anti-caking agents, such as cellulose, which are added to prevent the cheese from sticking together. While these agents are safe to consume, they can affect the melting ability of the cheese and cause a difference in taste. Cellulose is a type of dietary fibre found in all plant material, including sawdust and wood pulp. While it is not harmful, some people may prefer to avoid it due to concerns about processed foods or potential sensitivities.
While the washing method can remove these additives, it may not be necessary, and it is important to consider the potential impact on the texture and appearance of the cheese. Ultimately, the decision to wash pre-shredded cheese is a matter of personal preference, and individuals can weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding whether to adopt this TikTok trend.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some pre-grated and shredded cheeses contain cellulose, which is derived from sawdust.
Yes, cellulose is a safe, FDA-approved food additive and is also a component of plant foods we eat daily. It is not digested by the body and has no known health risks.
Sawdust, in the form of cellulose, is added to cheese as an anti-caking agent to prevent the shreds from sticking together. It also helps to extend the product's shelf life.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows grated cheese to contain up to 2-4% cellulose. However, an FDA investigation found that certain brands of Parmesan cheese can contain up to 8.8% cellulose, even when advertised as 100% cheese.
To avoid sawdust or cellulose in your cheese, you can opt for block cheese and grate it yourself. Alternatively, you can wash pre-shredded cheese to remove some of the additives, although this may not be necessary as cellulose is generally safe for consumption.
