Bushra Griffith
The use of pasteurized cheese is an important consideration for many people, especially pregnant women. While it is unclear whether Olive Garden uses pasteurized cheese, a customer service representative confirmed that all their products, including cheese, are pasteurized. This is further supported by U.S. laws mandating the pasteurization of milk. However, some customers have expressed uncertainty about the cheese variety used, believing it to be Romano instead of Parmesan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Romano |
| Cheese at the Table | Grated Romano Cheese |
| Cheese in Olive Garden To-Go | Packets of Grated Romano Cheese |
| Cheese Pasteurization | All cheese is pasteurized |
| Egg in Dressing | Pasteurized |
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What You'll Learn
Olive Garden uses Romano, not Parmesan, cheese
It's a common misconception that the cheese grated at your table at Olive Garden is Parmesan. However, the cheese used by the restaurant chain is actually Romano, specifically Lotito Romano Cheese. This was revealed by a viral 2022 Reddit thread, where multiple self-identified Olive Garden employees claimed that the cheese was Romano, not Parmesan.
While the cheese is not Parmesan, it is still real cheese. Romano is an aged Italian cheese, similar in appearance to Parmesan, but with a milder, saltier taste and a softer texture. Romano can contain sheep's milk, making it fattier than Parmesan, and it is also notably cheaper. This may explain why Olive Garden uses it, as the restaurant is known for being generous with its cheese, allowing customers to add as much as they like to their dishes.
Olive Garden has been transparent about the type of cheese it uses, referring to it as "grated Romano" on its social media accounts over the years. The brand of cheese used is Lotito, supplied by Lotito Foods, and the blocks of cheese are specifically designed to fit in the restaurant's cheese graters.
When ordering takeout from Olive Garden, customers receive packets of grated Romano cheese to add to their dishes. This cheese differs from the cheese grated at the table, but the flavor is identical. It is important to note that the cheese used by Olive Garden is imported from Italy, along with several other varieties, confirming the restaurant's commitment to providing authentic Italian dining experiences.
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Most US cheese is pasteurised due to food laws
In the United States, most cheese is pasteurized due to food laws. Pasteurization is the process of heating a liquid or food to kill pathogenic bacteria and make it safe for consumption. In the case of dairy products, pasteurization involves heating milk to 145°F (63°C) for 30 minutes or 161°F (72°C) for 15 seconds, destroying spoilage-causing enzymes and harmful microorganisms while extending shelf life.
The United States has strict regulations regarding the production and consumption of raw milk cheese. Since 1949, the FDA has mandated that all cheese transported across state lines must be made from pasteurized milk or aged for at least 60 days. This rule has significantly impacted the dairy industry, affecting both large-scale production and artisanal cheesemakers.
The FDA's rationale for pasteurization is to prevent the consumption of bacteria-filled milk and cheese, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Between 1993 and 2012, fewer than 2,000 cases of illness related to raw milk and its products were reported in the US, likely due to the FDA's pasteurization standards. However, critics argue that heating milk kills beneficial gut bacteria and affects the taste and nutritional value of cheese.
While most US cheese is pasteurized due to these regulations, some states allow the sale of raw milk products. Additionally, there are exceptions to the pasteurization rule, such as cheese aged for a minimum of 60 days and clearly labeled as unpasteurized. However, many popular raw milk cheeses like Camembert, Roquefort, and Brie cannot meet the legally required aging period and are therefore banned from interstate shipment.
The debate around raw milk cheese regulations is ongoing, with the FDA considering changes to its raw-milk-cheese rules. The European Union, where most cheeses are made from raw milk, has expressed concern about the potential impact on international relations. While food safety is paramount, critics argue for stricter regulations on the dairy and cheesemaking industries rather than restricting raw milk cheese production.
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Olive Garden's salad dressing contains raw egg
There are conflicting opinions on whether Olive Garden's salad dressing contains raw egg. Some sources indicate that it does contain raw egg, while others claim that the egg is pasteurized.
One source expresses concern about consuming Olive Garden's salad dressing during pregnancy due to the potential presence of raw eggs. Raw eggs carry a risk of Salmonella, which can be harmful. However, another source mentions that they contacted Olive Garden customer service, and they confirmed that their salad dressing contains pasteurized egg.
It is important to note that the safety of consuming raw or pasteurized eggs during pregnancy may depend on various factors, including regional regulations and personal health considerations. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or seek official guidance regarding specific dietary concerns during pregnancy.
While there may be varying accounts regarding the egg in Olive Garden's salad dressing, it is important to prioritize food safety, especially during pregnancy. Taking the necessary precautions and seeking the most current information can help ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
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Olive Garden's cheese is pasteurised
It is important to know whether the cheese you are consuming has been pasteurized, especially for pregnant women. While it is a requirement that cheese shipped across state lines is pasteurized, smaller fine dining restaurants can use unpasteurized products.
Olive Garden's cheese is pasteurized. A customer called Olive Garden's customer service to confirm whether their cheese is pasteurized and was informed that it is. This is also true for the eggs in their dressings. This is good news for anyone wanting to eat at Olive Garden, as it means you can enjoy their cheese without worry.
It is worth noting that Olive Garden's cheese is not parmesan, as many people assume, but rather Romano. This is true for both the cheese grated at the table and the packets of grated cheese included with to-go orders. While the cheese is not parmesan, it is still delicious and enjoyed by many.
In addition to the cheese, Olive Garden's famous salad dressing has also been a topic of discussion among customers. Some people believe that it contains raw eggs, which may not be safe for pregnant women. However, as confirmed by Olive Garden's customer service, the eggs in the dressing are pasteurized, so customers can enjoy the dressing without worry.
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Some US states ban unpasteurised cheese
In the United States, the use of pasteurized cheese is a contentious issue, with some states banning unpasteurized cheese altogether. The debate centres around the benefits of pasteurization in killing harmful bacteria and preventing foodborne illnesses, versus the argument that pasteurization also destroys beneficial bacteria and affects the taste and nutritional value of cheese.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has strict regulations regarding the consumption of unpasteurized cheese, citing health and safety concerns. The FDA-mandated pasteurization of all milk products for human consumption was instituted in 1987, and the organization continues to uphold these rigorous standards. According to the FDA, pasteurization is necessary to destroy pathogenic bacteria and make dairy products safe to consume. The process involves heating milk to a certain temperature for a specified duration, which extends the product's shelf life and prevents spoilage.
However, critics argue that pasteurization also destroys beneficial gut bacteria that can improve various health conditions. Additionally, they advocate for the superior taste and nutritional value of unpasteurized cheese. In some states, culinary enthusiasts and fine dining restaurants go to great lengths to acquire and serve unpasteurized cheese, despite the ban.
While the FDA is considering changing the raw-milk-cheese rules, the current regulations have significantly reduced the incidence of foodborne illnesses associated with raw milk and cheese consumption. As a result, some U.S. states have banned unpasteurized cheese altogether, while others allow its sale under specific conditions, such as proper labelling and a minimum aging period.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Olive Garden uses pasteurized cheese. However, it is worth noting that the cheese they grate at your table is not parmesan, but rather Romano cheese.
Olive Garden also uses pasteurized eggs in their salad dressings.
Pasteurization is important for killing harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses.
