Frederic Melton
Sargento is a popular brand of shredded cheese, and it has been at the center of a controversy regarding the use of wood pulp in its products. Wood pulp, or cellulose, is a common food additive that has been approved by the FDA for decades. It is derived from plant walls and is used in shredded cheese to prevent clumping and improve texture. While it is not illegal to use wood pulp in shredded cheese, the issue arises when products are improperly labeled as 100% cheese without disclosing the presence of cellulose. Sargento has been accused of adding cellulose to its shredded cheese, and consumers have expressed concerns about the accuracy of labeling and the potential for consumer fraud.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sargento uses wood pulp in shredded cheese | Yes |
| Sargento's use of wood pulp | Sargento uses cellulose, a derivative of wood pulp or plant fibers, in its shredded cheese products to stop clumping and help cheese fall freely through the holes in the lid. |
| Legality of using wood pulp in shredded cheese | It is legal to use cellulose in grated cheese. The FDA approved the additive for food use nearly five decades ago. |
| FDA's stance on using wood pulp in shredded cheese | The FDA allows grated or shredded cheese to contain up to 4% cellulose. However, marketing and labeling a product as 100% Parmesan cheese while containing up to 4% wood filler is misleading to consumers and is considered consumer fraud. |
| Health impact of consuming wood pulp | Wood pulp is harmless and safe for human consumption. It is full of fiber, which can help with digestion. |
| Sargento's shredded cheese products | Sargento offers a variety of shredded cheese products, including 4 State Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, and Reduced Fat cheese. |
| Recommendations for consumers | Consumers can avoid wood pulp in cheese by buying cheese by the block and shredding it themselves. They can also seek to buy organic whenever possible and carefully read labels. |
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What You'll Learn
- Sargento's shredded cheese contains cellulose, a derivative of wood pulp
- Sargento's use of wood pulp is legal, but the product is improperly labelled
- Wood pulp is used to stop shredded cheese from clumping together
- Wood pulp is a common food additive, used by companies like McDonald's
- Sargento's shredded cheese is made from 100% real, natural cheese
Sargento's shredded cheese contains cellulose, a derivative of wood pulp
Sargento's shredded cheese contains cellulose, a natural derivative of wood pulp, which is added to prevent the cheese shreds from forming clumps and sticking together. Sargento is not alone in adding cellulose to its shredded cheese products, with Kraft-Heinz, Walmart, and Albertsons also containing up to 9% cellulose.
The use of cellulose in cheese is a common practice and has been approved by the FDA for almost five decades. It is a harmless and safe ingredient for human consumption, providing dietary bulk and a potential laxative effect. In fact, cellulose is found in many other foods such as cereals and vegetables like broccoli and celery.
The controversy surrounding the use of cellulose in shredded cheese is due to improper labelling. The FDA requires that all ingredients be listed on the label, and marketing a product as 100% Parmesan cheese while it contains up to 4% cellulose is misleading to consumers. This has led to legal battles and consumer fraud lawsuits.
Sargento discloses the use of cellulose in its shredded cheese products, listing it as an ingredient on its website and packaging. The company also provides detailed information about the cheese-making process, the ingredients used, and the freshness and storage guidelines for its products.
While the addition of cellulose to shredded cheese may be controversial due to labelling issues, Sargento ensures transparency in its ingredient lists and adheres to FDA regulations. Consumers who wish to avoid cellulose in their shredded cheese can opt to purchase cheese blocks and shred them themselves.
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Sargento's use of wood pulp is legal, but the product is improperly labelled
Sargento is a popular brand of shredded cheese. While the company does not explicitly state that its shredded cheese products contain wood pulp, they do list "powdered cellulose (to prevent caking)" as an ingredient on their website. Powdered cellulose is a common additive derived from wood pulp or plant fibres. Its use in food products is legal and has been approved by the FDA. However, the issue with Sargento's use of wood pulp lies in the product's labelling.
The FDA's Code of Federal Regulations states that all ingredients should be listed on food labels. While the FDA permits the use of cellulose in shredded cheese, marketing and labelling a product as 100% cheese when it contains up to 4% wood filler is misleading to consumers. This discrepancy has led to legal battles and consumer fraud claims.
Sargento's shredded cheese products are labelled as "100% real, natural cheese," without specifically mentioning the presence of cellulose or wood pulp. This lack of transparency on the product label is improper and fails to provide consumers with accurate information about the product they are purchasing.
As a result, consumers who wish to avoid wood pulp in their shredded cheese may feel deceived or misled by Sargento's labelling practices. It is essential for consumers to be vigilant and read labels carefully. By doing so, they can make informed decisions about the products they purchase and support companies that align with their values and preferences.
In conclusion, while Sargento's use of wood pulp in its shredded cheese products is legal, the company's failure to properly disclose this information on its product labels is a cause for concern. Consumers have a right to know the exact composition of the food they are consuming, and proper labelling ensures transparency and trust between manufacturers and their customers.
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Wood pulp is used to stop shredded cheese from clumping together
Wood pulp, or cellulose, is a common additive in shredded cheese products. It is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent the cheese shreds from clumping together and to ensure the cheese flows freely from the shaker. This additive is derived from plant walls, including wood and apple pulp or corn cobs, and is safe for human consumption. While it has no taste, it can give the cheese a powdery quality.
The use of cellulose in cheese has been a controversial topic due to concerns about improper labelling and consumer fraud. Some manufacturers have been accused of adding wood pulp fillers and cheaper cheeses to their 100% Parmesan cheese without disclosing it on the label. This has led to legal battles and class-action lawsuits.
However, the use of cellulose in food products is not against FDA regulations. The FDA allows grated or shredded cheese to contain up to 4% cellulose, and it has been approved for food use for several decades. While cellulose may be extracted from various plant sources, using wood pulp is a cheap and organic option that does not waste other edible plants.
Sargento, a leading cheese company, does use cellulose in some of its shredded cheese products, as disclosed in the ingredients list on their website. They add it to prevent caking and maintain the freshness of their shredded cheese. While some consumers may prefer to avoid cellulose, Sargento provides transparent information about its use on their product labels and website.
In conclusion, wood pulp in the form of cellulose is added to shredded cheese to prevent clumping and maintain product flow. While this additive has sparked debates about labelling and consumer rights, it is allowed by the FDA and commonly used in the food industry. Sargento, as a reputable cheese brand, includes cellulose in some of its shredded cheese products and provides transparent information about its use.
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Wood pulp is a common food additive, used by companies like McDonald's
Wood pulp, or cellulose, is a common food additive used in a variety of products. It is made of tiny pieces of wood pulp and plant fibres. It is used to add texture, prevent caking, and boost fibre. The FDA approved the use of added cellulose in food almost five decades ago and has deemed it safe for consumption. Humans cannot digest cellulose, and it passes through our GI tracts, virtually unabsorbed.
Cellulose is commonly used in shredded cheese to prevent the product from clumping. Sargento and Kraft-Heinz, a leading shredded-cheese maker, use cellulose in their shredded cheese products. Sargento's shredded cheese products are exposed to air, which can cause the development of mould. Therefore, cellulose is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent the shredded cheese from clumping.
McDonald's uses cellulose in many of its menu items, including shredded cheese, fish fillet patties, biscuits, sausages, and scrambled egg mixes. The company has the most menu items containing cellulose among the nation's top fast-food restaurants. Other fast-food chains that use cellulose in their menu items include Burger King, Taco Bell, Carl's Jr., and Wendy's.
While cellulose is generally considered safe for consumption, there have been concerns about its use in food products. Some consumers argue that the presence of wood pulp fillers and cheaper cheeses in 100% Parmesan cheese without proper labelling is misleading and a form of consumer fraud. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential adverse effects of cellulose on cholesterol, as suggested by some studies. However, food scientists maintain that cellulose is a harmless ingredient, and the FDA has allowed the use of anti-caking agents in grated cheese.
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Sargento's shredded cheese is made from 100% real, natural cheese
Sargento Shredded 4 State Cheddar® Natural Cheese is made from 100% real, natural cheese. Sargento is a third-generation, family-owned company that believes in using only the best real, natural cheese with delicious flavour in every bite. Their shredded cheese is always freshly shredded from blocks of 100% real, natural cheese. Sargento's shredded cheese is perfect for casseroles, mac and cheese, appetizers, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner.
Sargento's shredded cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, annatto (vegetable colour), potato starch, and powdered cellulose (to prevent caking), and natamycin (a natural mould inhibitor). The cheese is packaged in an easy-close FreshLock® package to help keep the cheese fresh longer. Sargento recommends using the cheese within five days of opening the package to ensure maximum freshness.
While some shredded cheese products on the market do contain wood pulp or cellulose, Sargento's shredded cheese is made from 100% real, natural cheese. Cellulose is a common food additive derived from plant walls, including wood and apple pulp or corn cobs. It is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent shredded cheese from clumping. While the use of cellulose in small amounts is legal and safe for consumption, it is important for manufacturers to properly label their products and list all ingredients.
Sargento's shredded cheese is a high-quality product made from 100% real, natural cheese, providing delicious flavour and convenience to your kitchen. The company prioritizes using the best ingredients to create memorable experiences for its customers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Sargento uses cellulose, a derivative of wood pulp, in its shredded cheese.
Wood pulp, or cellulose, is a legal food additive that is safe for human consumption. It is commonly used in the dairy industry as an anti-caking agent to prevent shredded cheese from clumping.
Sargento likely uses cellulose in its shredded cheese to improve the flow of the product and prevent clumping. While this additive has no taste and can be used to replace more expensive ingredients, it is important for consumers to be aware of product labeling and make informed choices.
