Frederic Melton
In 2016, the FDA issued a warning to pizza and pasta lovers that cheese labelled 100 percent Parmesan was often filled with wood pulp and other substitutes. This revelation led to a scandal involving several major cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, and Albertsons, being sued over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese. While it is not accurate to claim that these products contain wood shavings, they do contain cellulose, a filler often made from wood pulp. This scandal highlights the importance of accurate food labelling and the potential for misleading claims, even in seemingly innocuous products like cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does Parmesan cheese contain wood shavings? | No, but it may contain cellulose, an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp. |
| Is cellulose harmful? | No, there are no known harmful side effects from adding it to food. |
| Is it legal to add cellulose to cheese? | Yes, a court decided it was legal in 2018, but the verdict was overturned in 2020. |
| Are there regulations around labeling cheese with cellulose? | Yes, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) specifies that a product labeled as ""100% cheese" contains only cheese, but if the word ""grated" is included, it can contain other ingredients like cellulose. |
| What are some examples of Parmesan cheese brands that contain cellulose? | Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese, Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese, Kraft, and Whole Foods. |
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What You'll Learn
- Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese were involved in a lawsuit over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese
- The lawsuit was over the use of cellulose, a common plant fibre, as an ingredient in the cheese
- Cellulose is an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp, which is added to the cheese as a filler
- Bloomberg's experiments found that many grated cheeses contain cellulose, with Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese containing 8.8%
- While eating cellulose won't harm you, people have a right to feel outraged about adulterated Parmesan
Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese were involved in a lawsuit over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese
Several cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese, have been involved in a lawsuit over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese products. The lawsuit, which was initially filed in 2016, accuses these companies of engaging in ""unlawful, deceptive, and misleading business practices" by falsely labelling their products as "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese".
The issue at hand is the presence of cellulose in the grated Parmesan cheese. Cellulose is an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp and is added to food products to prevent them from sticking together. While the product labels did list cellulose as an ingredient, the lawsuit argues that the front labels, which state "100% Parmesan Cheese", are misleading to consumers.
In 2018, a judge dismissed the lawsuit, stating that consumers could simply turn the container around and see that cellulose is listed as an ingredient. However, in late 2020, a federal appeals court revived the lawsuit, ruling that it was unreasonable to expect consumers to rely on fine print on the packaging. The court found that the presence of fillers in the product meant that it could not be labelled as "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese".
The percentage of cellulose in these products has been a surprise to many. Testing revealed that Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Jewel-Osco contained 8.8% cellulose, while Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Walmart had 7.8%. Even brands like Kraft and Whole Foods were found to have 3.8% and 0.3% of cellulose, respectively, in their products.
While the lawsuit does not imply that companies are grinding up wood chips and mixing them with Parmesan cheese, it brings to light the misleading nature of food labelling and the importance of accurate ingredient listings. The full repercussions for the cheese companies involved are still pending, but it is unlikely that this lawsuit will change the use of cellulose in grated cheese. Instead, it will likely lead to modifications in how these products are labelled in the future.
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The lawsuit was over the use of cellulose, a common plant fibre, as an ingredient in the cheese
The lawsuit against several cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, Supervalu, and Icco Cheese, was over the use of cellulose, a common plant fibre, as an ingredient in their "100% grated Parmesan cheese" products. While the companies were initially cleared of any wrongdoing in 2018, with a judge stating that consumers could simply read the ingredient list to see the presence of cellulose, the verdict was later overturned in 2020.
Cellulose is the main component of a plant's cell wall and is found in all fruits, vegetables, and plants that humans consume. It is a non-digestible plant fibre that provides bulk and helps with digestion. While it is commonly associated with wood pulp and sawdust, as it is present in all plant material, no one is grinding up wood chips and mixing them with Parmesan cheese.
The issue at hand is the misleading labelling of these cheese products. By including the word "grated" in the label, companies can legally add ingredients like cellulose to the cheese under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). However, consumers argue that this is deceptive, as they are led to believe they are purchasing pure Parmesan cheese.
The use of cellulose in grated cheese products is often done to cut costs, as real Parmesan cheese is expensive. By adding cellulose as a filler, companies can stretch out the pricy cheese and sell more products at a lower cost. While adding cellulose to food is completely legal and safe for consumption, the lawsuit against these cheese companies highlights the importance of accurate labelling and transparency in the food industry.
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Cellulose is an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp, which is added to the cheese as a filler
It is true that some Parmesan cheese products contain cellulose, an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp. However, it is important to clarify that this does not mean that there are wood shavings or sawdust in the cheese. While cellulose is present in wood pulp, it is also found in all plant material, including fruits, vegetables, and other edible plants.
The controversy surrounding Parmesan cheese and cellulose centres around the labelling of certain products as 100% grated Parmesan cheese or 100% Parmesan. These labels can be misleading as they imply that the product contains only cheese, when in fact, it contains additional ingredients like cellulose.
Cellulose is added to grated or shredded Parmesan cheese as a filler to prevent clumping and extend the shelf life of the product. It is a cheap additive that allows manufacturers to increase their profit margins by stretching out the more expensive cheese with a lower-cost ingredient. While this practice may not pose a health risk, it is essential to provide accurate and transparent information on food labels so that consumers can make informed choices.
The percentage of cellulose in grated Parmesan cheese can vary significantly across different brands. Tests conducted by Bloomberg on store-bought grated cheese revealed varying levels of cellulose content. For example, Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Jewel-Osco had 8.8% cellulose, while Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Walmart had 7.8%. Even brands like Kraft and Whole Foods were found to have cellulose in their products, with 3.8% and 0.3% respectively.
As a result of the misleading labelling and the presence of cellulose, several cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese, have faced lawsuits over their "100% grated Parmesan cheese" products. While a judge initially dismissed the lawsuit in 2018, stating that consumers could check the ingredient list, the verdict was later overturned in 2020. The outcome of these lawsuits may lead to changes in how these products are labelled and regulated in the future.
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Bloomberg's experiments found that many grated cheeses contain cellulose, with Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese containing 8.8%
Parmesan cheese is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, but recent controversies have sparked debates about its purity and authenticity. One of the most startling revelations came from Bloomberg's experiments, which found that many grated Parmesan cheeses contain significant levels of cellulose, with Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese containing a notable 8.8%.
Cellulose, a component derived from plant cell walls, is commonly found in wood pulp. While it is generally recognized as safe for consumption and acts as an anti-clumping agent, its presence in high quantities in grated Parmesan cheese has raised concerns among consumers and regulatory bodies alike.
Bloomberg's investigation into the matter was prompted by court proceedings involving a Pennsylvania cheesemaker accused of mislabelling their product as "100% grated Parmesan." This incident brought to light the widespread practice of adding cellulose fillers to grated Parmesan cheese, often alongside cheaper cheese substitutes.
The discovery of high cellulose content in Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese, offered by Jewel-Osco, is particularly concerning. With 8.8% cellulose, it far exceeds the typical industry standard of 2% to 4%. This has sparked discussions about the accuracy of labelling and whether the presence of cellulose in such quantities constitutes mislabelling or false advertising.
While the lawsuit against cheese companies was initially dismissed in 2018, with a judge arguing that consumers could simply check the ingredient list, the verdict was later overturned in 2020. The ongoing legal developments indicate a growing recognition of the seriousness of this issue.
As the controversy unfolds, consumers are advised to be vigilant and, if concerned, opt for purchasing blocks of Parmesan cheese and grating it themselves. This ensures they know exactly what they are consuming and can avoid unexpected fillers or additives.
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While eating cellulose won't harm you, people have a right to feel outraged about adulterated Parmesan
While it is true that eating cellulose won't harm you, people have every right to feel outraged about adulterated Parmesan. After all, consumers rely on food labels to tell them what they are eating and feeding their families. When companies mislabel their products, they are breaking the law.
In the case of Parmesan cheese, several companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Jewel-Osco owner Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese, have been involved in a lawsuit over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese products. These products were found to contain cellulose, an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp, which is not always listed as an ingredient. While a court initially dismissed the lawsuit in 2018, stating that consumers could simply read the ingredient statement, the verdict was overturned in 2020.
It is important to note that cellulose is a non-digestible plant fiber that is commonly consumed in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods. However, when a product is labeled as "100% grated Parmesan cheese," consumers expect it to contain only cheese, not fillers or substitutes. This is a clear case of misleading labeling, and companies involved in such practices should be held accountable.
While the health risks associated with consuming cellulose may be low, the financial risks for consumers are significant. Real Parmesan cheese is expensive, and by stretching it with cellulose, companies can sell more product at a lower cost. This is a deceptive practice that takes advantage of consumers' trust and can impact their purchasing decisions.
In conclusion, while the presence of cellulose in Parmesan cheese may not pose a direct health hazard, it is understandable and justifiable for consumers to feel outraged and deceived by the adulteration and mislabeling of their food products. The right to know what we are consuming and feeding our families is fundamental, and companies that engage in such practices should be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there are no wood shavings in parmesan cheese. However, some parmesan cheese products contain cellulose, which is an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp.
Manufacturers add cellulose to food products to save money. Some foods, like parmesan cheese, are expensive. Cellulose, on the other hand, is cheap. By adding cellulose to parmesan cheese, companies can sell more product for less expense.
Yes, consuming cellulose is safe. There are no known harmful side effects from adding it to food, and it is completely legal.
To avoid consuming cellulose in parmesan cheese, you can buy a block of parmesan cheese and grate it yourself.
