Randy Chandler
While it is unlikely that pizza cheese has wood chips ground up and mixed into it, it may contain cellulose, a common food additive derived from wood pulp. This additive is used to prevent caking and clumping in shredded cheese and is generally considered safe for human consumption. However, the presence of cellulose in cheese products labelled as 100% Parmesan has sparked controversy and legal action, with some companies being accused of mislabelling and consumer fraud.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is wood pulp in pizza cheese? | Yes, wood pulp is often found in shredded cheese, including pizza cheese. |
| Is it safe to consume? | Yes, it is safe for human consumption and may even have health benefits due to its high fiber content. |
| Why is it added? | Wood pulp, or cellulose, is added to prevent clumping and as a filler. It is also a cheap additive that increases profit margins. |
| Is it properly labelled? | No, companies have been sued for mislabelling and consumer fraud. |
| How much wood pulp is in pizza cheese? | The FDA allows up to 4% cellulose in cheese products. Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese was found to contain 8.8% cellulose, while other brands had lower amounts, such as 7.8%, 3.8%, and 0.3%. |
| How to avoid wood pulp in pizza cheese? | Buy blocks of cheese and grate it yourself. |
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What You'll Learn
Is cellulose in pizza cheese safe to eat?
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the presence of wood pulp in pizza cheese. However, the concern is not about wood chips being ground up and mixed with cheese. Instead, it is about the presence of cellulose, a common food additive derived from plant material, including wood pulp.
Cellulose is a type of fibre that forms the cell walls of plants, giving cells strength and rigidity. It is found in all plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans, and is consumed by humans when they eat these foods. Cellulose is also added to various processed foods as a filler or anti-clumping agent, including shredded cheese, ice cream, frozen yogurt, diet foods, and bread products.
In the context of pizza cheese, cellulose is often added to shredded or grated cheese to prevent the formation of clumps and to provide fibre. While it is true that some pizza cheeses contain cellulose derived from wood pulp, it is important to note that cellulose itself is generally safe for human consumption. It has been a safe and FDA-approved food additive since 1973, and there are no known harmful side effects from adding it to food.
However, it is important to consume cellulose in moderation. While it is safe and even has potential health benefits due to its fibre content, overconsumption of cellulose or fibre in general can lead to side effects such as gas and bloating. Therefore, individuals who need to follow a low-fibre diet should limit their intake of cellulose. Additionally, it is worth noting that the presence of cellulose in pizza cheese may be misleading for consumers, especially when the product is labelled as "100% grated Parmesan cheese." While the use of the word "grated" allows for the inclusion of other ingredients like cellulose under food law, it can still be considered deceptive by consumers who expect the product to be made solely of cheese.
In conclusion, while the presence of cellulose in pizza cheese is safe from a health perspective, it is important to be aware of its existence in processed foods and to consume it in moderation to avoid any potential side effects associated with excessive fibre intake.
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Is cellulose in pizza cheese misleading to consumers?
While it is true that cellulose is found in wood pulp, it is also present in all plant material. Therefore, it is not accurate to claim that products containing cellulose are part "wood pulp". In fact, the consumption of cellulose is not harmful to humans and is a good source of dietary fibre.
However, the controversy surrounding the presence of cellulose in pizza cheese is due to the misleading nature of its labelling. Consumers may feel outraged about the presence of cellulose in their cheese products, especially when the label claims the product is "100% grated Parmesan cheese". In 2018, a lawsuit was filed against several cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, and Albertsons, over their "100% grated Parmesan cheese", which was found to contain cellulose. The lawsuit argued that the labelling was deceptive and misleading to consumers, as it implied that the product was made solely of cheese, with no other ingredients.
The court initially dismissed the lawsuit, stating that consumers could simply read the ingredient list to see that cellulose was included. However, in 2020, the verdict was overturned, recognising that the labelling could be misleading. While the presence of cellulose in pizza cheese is not inherently harmful, the lack of transparent and accurate labelling can be considered misleading to consumers who expect their "100% grated Parmesan cheese" to contain only cheese and no fillers or additives.
To avoid misleading consumers, companies should be transparent about the ingredients in their products and provide clear and accurate labels. It is important for consumers to be aware of what they are purchasing and consuming, and accurate labelling ensures that consumers can make informed choices about the products they buy. While cellulose itself may not be harmful, the practice of adding fillers to cheese to cut costs and increase profits is a separate issue that consumers have a right to be aware of.
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Is pizza cheese labelled as containing cellulose?
While pizza cheese may not contain literal wood chips, several big-name brands have been found to add cellulose—a common food additive derived from plant material—to their products. This additive is often extracted from wood pulp, but it can also be derived from a variety of other plant sources, such as asparagus, apples, corn husks, or any other plant matter.
Cellulose is a non-digestible plant fiber that is safe for human consumption and may even have health benefits due to its high fiber content. It is added to cheese products to prevent clumping and to add bulk, thereby reducing costs for the manufacturer. While it is not harmful, some consumers may find it misleading when products are labelled as "100% grated Parmesan cheese" while containing cellulose and other ingredients.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the use of cellulose in food products. The FDA's Code of Federal Regulations requires that each ingredient, including cellulose, be listed on the label of cheese products. However, in practice, the FDA tends to prioritize health risks over the presence of cellulose in cheese, and it is allowed in products in percentages of up to 4%.
Some brands of pizza cheese that have been found to contain cellulose include Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Jewel-Osco (8.8% cellulose), Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Walmart (7.8% cellulose), and Kraft (3.8% cellulose). Whole Foods, despite not listing cellulose as an ingredient, was also found to have 0.3% of the filler in their product.
While the presence of cellulose in pizza cheese is not inherently dangerous, consumers who wish to avoid it can opt to buy blocks of cheese and grate them themselves, ensuring that the only ingredient is cheese.
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Can I avoid eating cellulose in pizza cheese?
While pizza cheese may not contain actual chunks of wood, several big-name brands have been found to include cellulose in their products. Cellulose is a plant fiber derived from wood pulp, and it is often added to packaged shredded cheese to prevent clumping and drying. While it is generally safe for human consumption and may even provide health benefits due to its fiber content, some people may prefer to avoid it.
To ensure that you are not consuming cellulose in your pizza cheese, it is recommended to buy blocks of cheese and shred it yourself. By shredding your own cheese, you can avoid the addition of cellulose and other fillers that are commonly found in pre-shredded cheese products. This option also allows you to choose the type and quality of cheese that best suits your preferences and budget.
When purchasing cheese, it is important to read the ingredient labels carefully. Look for products labeled as "`100% cheese'" or "100% Parmesan cheese," without the word "grated" included. The presence of the word "grated" in the product description allows for the inclusion of cellulose as an additive under food labeling regulations. By omitting "grated" from the label, you can be more confident that the product contains only cheese and no added cellulose.
Additionally, consider buying cheese from specialty stores or cheese counters, where you can inquire about the ingredients and request specific types of cheese that do not contain cellulose. This way, you can support local businesses while also ensuring the quality and purity of the cheese you are consuming.
While it may be challenging to completely avoid cellulose in all foods, by taking these steps, you can minimize your exposure to cellulose in pizza cheese and make more informed choices about the food you consume.
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What is the history of the issue of cellulose in pizza cheese?
The issue of cellulose in pizza cheese, specifically Parmesan, came to light around 2016 when Michelle Myrter, representing Universal Cheese & Drying Inc. and International Packing LLC, pleaded guilty to lying about the composition of their company's Parmesan cheese. The product, branded as "100% Parmesan cheese," was found to contain a mixture of non-Parmesan cheeses and cellulose, an additive derived from plant material, including wood pulp. This incident sparked a broader investigation by the FDA, which found that several other brands of Parmesan cheese also contained cellulose, even when advertised as 100% cheese.
The controversy surrounding cellulose in pizza cheese centres on the labelling and marketing of the product rather than the presence of cellulose itself. Cellulose is a natural plant fibre that is safe for human consumption and has been an FDA-approved food additive since 1973. It is commonly used in packaged shredded or grated cheese as an anti-clumping agent, helping to keep the cheese shreds separate and preventing the formation of clumps.
In 2018, a lawsuit was filed against several cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, and Albertsons, over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese products. The lawsuit alleged that these products were misleadingly labelled as they contained cellulose and were not 100% cheese. However, a judge dismissed the lawsuit, stating that consumers could simply check the ingredient list to see if cellulose was included.
The verdict sparked further debate, and in late 2020, the court's decision was overturned. While the full repercussions for the cheese companies involved are still pending, it is unlikely that this will lead to a change in the use of cellulose in grated cheese. Instead, it will likely result in modified labelling requirements for these products.
While the focus has primarily been on Parmesan cheese, it is important to note that cellulose is a common additive in various other foods, including shredded or grated cheddar and mozzarella, which are also commonly used as pizza toppings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pizza cheese can contain wood pulp. Wood pulp is a common additive in shredded cheese, used to prevent clumping and as a filler.
Wood pulp, or cellulose, is added to pizza cheese to prevent the shreds from clumping together and to increase the fibre content of the product. It is also a cheap filler that can be used to adulterate the product and increase profits.
The FDA allows up to 4% cellulose in cheese products. However, some brands have been found to contain higher levels, with Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Jewel-Osco containing 8.8% cellulose.
