Randy Chandler
Kraft American cheese is a processed cheese product that was invented by James Kraft in 1916. It is designed to have a longer shelf life than other cheeses, thanks to preservatives like sorbic acid and natamycin, which prevent the growth of mold. While the expiration date on Kraft American cheese is typically around five to six months after production, some people report consuming the product well after this date without any negative effects. However, it is important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, a slimy texture, or a sour odor, as consuming expired cheese can lead to food poisoning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Expiry Date | The printed expiry date is generally about five to six months after production, but it may last longer. |
| Refrigeration | Kraft cheese should be refrigerated and consumed within a week of opening the plastic packaging. At room temperature, it will only last about two hours. |
| Freezing | It is possible to freeze Kraft cheese, but it is not recommended as it may alter the flavour and texture, making it grainy and less meltable. |
| Spoilage | Bacterial growth and mould are the main reasons for spoilage. If mould is present, the cheese should be discarded. |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Singles are highly processed, so they last a long time
Kraft Singles are a processed cheese product that lasts a long time due to its high level of processing and added preservatives. While some may consider it a "fridge staple," Kraft Singles are designed to be shelf-stable and can be kept at room temperature for up to two hours.
The product's long shelf life is by design. James Kraft intended to create a dairy product that could be shipped long distances without spoilage. To achieve this, Kraft cheese contains preservatives, such as sorbic acid, which was replaced by natamycin in 2014, a natural preservative that fights mold without being absorbed by the body.
The high level of processing and preservatives in Kraft Singles contribute to their longevity. While the product does have an expiration date, usually about five to six months after production, some consumers report safely consuming the product well beyond this guideline. One person reported eating Kraft Singles a year after the printed expiration date without any negative effects.
The absence of mold is a critical indicator of whether Kraft Singles are still safe to consume. The product is designed to resist spoilage, but it is not immune to it. If mold appears, it is a clear sign that the product should be discarded. Additionally, it is recommended to consume Kraft Singles within a week after opening the plastic packaging.
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The product is bolstered by preservatives, but it can still go bad
Kraft American Cheese is a processed cheese product bolstered by preservatives to give it a long shelf life. While it may not be "'real'" cheese, it has become a staple in many households due to its convenience and melting properties.
The preservatives in Kraft American Cheese have caused some controversy. Originally, Kraft used an artificial preservative called sorbic acid. However, in 2014, the company announced that it would replace sorbic acid with a natural preservative called natamycin, which is not absorbed by the human body. Natamycin effectively prevents mold growth, addressing the main reason why cheeses go bad.
Despite the preservatives, Kraft American Cheese can still go bad. The expiration date printed on the package is generally about five to six months after production. While this date is already quite extended compared to other cheeses, it is still important to follow it as a guideline. After opening a package of Kraft American Cheese, it is recommended to consume the product within a week if kept in the refrigerator. At room temperature, even processed cheese can only last for about two hours.
While some people have reported consuming Kraft American Cheese well past its expiration date without any adverse effects, it is not advisable to do so. The growth of mold is a clear indication that the cheese has spoiled and should be discarded. Freezing Kraft American Cheese is also not recommended as it can alter its flavor, texture, and melting properties, defeating the purpose of choosing this particular cheese product.
In conclusion, while Kraft American Cheese is designed to have a long shelf life thanks to its preservatives, it is not immune to spoilage. It is essential to follow proper storage guidelines and consume the product within recommended time frames to ensure food safety and maintain the best quality.
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Kraft replaced artificial preservatives with natamycin in 2014
Kraft American Cheese is a highly processed cheese product designed to have a long shelf life. While it will eventually spoil, it is bolstered by anti-mold preservatives that significantly extend its longevity compared to unprocessed cheese.
In 2014, Kraft replaced the artificial preservative sorbic acid with natamycin, a natural preservative that inhibits the growth of mold and yeast. Sorbic acid is water-soluble, allowing it to penetrate food, whereas natamycin is insoluble and remains on the surface of the cheese, preventing the growth of mold and yeast. Natamycin has been deemed safe for human consumption by numerous food safety authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Canada Health, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The decision to switch preservatives was likely influenced by two factors. Firstly, Americans were becoming increasingly discerning about the "naturalness" of their food, scrutinizing labels and favoring organic options. By replacing artificial preservatives with natural alternatives, Kraft could appeal to this growing consumer preference for natural, organic products. Secondly, artificial preservatives like sorbic acid were facing scrutiny due to their potential to contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Natamycin, on the other hand, acts against fungi but not bacteria, addressing concerns about the overuse of antibiotics in food production.
Despite its safety approval, natamycin has faced some opposition. Notably, Whole Foods has included it on its "Unacceptable Ingredients for Food" list since 2003, expressing a preference for cheese in its "natural state," even if that means a shorter shelf life.
In conclusion, Kraft's replacement of artificial preservatives with natamycin in 2014 reflected a response to shifting consumer preferences and concerns about antimicrobial resistance. While the natural preservative extended the shelf life of Kraft American Cheese, it also addressed the growing demand for more natural and organic food options.
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Eating expired cheese can lead to food poisoning
Kraft American cheese is designed to last longer than other cheeses. This is because it contains preservatives that prevent spoilage. However, it's important to note that Kraft American cheese can still go bad, especially if it's not stored properly.
Eating expired or spoiled cheese can lead to food poisoning, which can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever. The severity of food poisoning symptoms can vary, and while most cases are mild and resolve on their own, some can be more severe, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
To prevent food poisoning from expired cheese, it's essential to follow proper storage guidelines and consume the cheese before its expiration date. Once the package is opened, Kraft cheese slices should be consumed within a week if refrigerated. At room temperature, Kraft cheese can only be left out for about two hours.
Additionally, it's important to inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, an ammonia-like odour, or a strange taste. If the cheese has developed mould, it's best to discard it, especially in the case of soft cheeses, where the mould can spread throughout the product.
In summary, while Kraft American cheese is designed to have a longer shelf life, it can still expire and cause food poisoning if consumed after spoilage. To stay safe, follow storage guidelines, adhere to expiration dates, and inspect the cheese for any visual, olfactory, or gustatory indications of spoilage.
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Beyond mould, spoilage indicators include texture and smell
Kraft American cheese is a processed cheese product known for its long shelf life, smooth texture, and mild flavour. While the presence of mould is a clear indication that cheese has spoiled, other factors such as texture and smell can also indicate spoilage.
Kraft American cheese is designed to have a long shelf life, thanks to its processing and preservatives. However, it can still go bad, and the indicators of spoilage beyond mould include changes in texture and smell. A slimy texture is one of the most commonly reported signs of spoilage in Kraft American cheese. The cheese should maintain its characteristic rubbery or gooey texture, and any deviation towards sliminess should be a cause for concern.
In terms of smell, Kraft American cheese should have a mild, salty odour. If the cheese develops a sour or offensive smell, it is an indication that it has spoiled and should be discarded. This is consistent with the general rule that any strong or unpleasant odours emanating from cheese indicate spoilage.
The colour of Kraft American cheese can also provide some indication of spoilage. While the cheese is known for its vibrant orange or yellow hue, a change towards a deeper yellow or brown shade could indicate that it has gone bad.
It is important to note that proper storage can significantly extend the shelf life of Kraft American cheese. Keeping the cheese unopened in its original packaging and refrigerating it immediately upon purchase can help maintain its quality and freshness. Once opened, it is recommended to wrap the cheese in plastic and store it in the refrigerator to maximise its shelf life.
In summary, while mould is a clear indicator of spoilage, Kraft American cheese can also spoil without the presence of mould. Changes in texture, such as sliminess, and the development of a sour or unpleasant smell are key indicators that the cheese has gone bad and should be discarded. Proper storage practices can help extend the shelf life of Kraft American cheese and delay spoilage.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft American cheese is meant to outlast other cheeses and can be good for five to six months after production. However, it's best to follow the expiration date printed on the package.
The most obvious sign of spoilage is the presence of mold. Beyond that, if the cheese has a slimy texture or a sour odour, it has likely gone bad.
It is generally not recommended to consume any food product, including Kraft American cheese, past its expiration date. However, some people have reported consuming cheese past its expiration without any negative effects.
Consuming expired cheese can lead to food poisoning, exposing individuals to dangerous bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Symptoms may include stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Kraft also offers \"real\" cheese varieties such as cheddar, mozzarella, jack, and colby, which can be safely frozen for an indefinite period. However, freezing may affect the meltability and texture of the cheese.
