Patrick Oconnell
Grated Parmesan cheese is a popular product, often sold in green shaker tubes next to dried pasta and canned tomato sauces. However, it has been at the centre of controversy in recent years, with reports that some companies are bulking up their products with wood filler. In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that several widely-available cheeses, including Parmesan, were partially made from wood pulp. This is often listed as cellulose on the ingredients label, a common anti-clumping agent derived from wood pulp. While cellulose is completely safe to eat, the issue has sparked widespread consumer concern and multiple lawsuits, with many consumers feeling misled by the practice of adding non-cheese ingredients to products labelled as 100% grated Parmesan cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is grated parmesan cheese partially made of wood? | No, it is made of cellulose, a fiber derived from plant walls, which can be taken from wood pulp. |
| Is cellulose safe to eat? | Yes, it is present in all plant material and is a source of dietary fiber. |
| Why is cellulose added to grated parmesan cheese? | It is added as an anti-clumping agent to prevent the cheese from clumping. |
| Is adding cellulose to grated parmesan cheese legal? | Yes, it is legal to add cellulose to grated cheese, but it is considered misleading to label the product as "100% grated parmesan cheese" without mentioning cellulose as an ingredient. |
| Percentage of cellulose in grated parmesan cheese | Various tests have found different percentages of cellulose in different brands of grated parmesan cheese, ranging from 0.3% to 8.8%. |
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What You'll Learn
The FDA's investigation into Castle Cheese Inc
In 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began an investigation into Castle Cheese Inc. to address fraudulent practices in the cheese industry, particularly the misleading labels on products claiming to be authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano. The investigation revealed that Castle Cheese Inc. was marketing "100% Parmesan cheese" that often contained little to no actual cheese. Instead, it included lower-quality alternatives and even non-edible materials, such as cellulose derived from wood pulp, to bulk up their grated cheese.
The FDA discovered that Castle Cheese Inc. was adding wood pulp, or sawdust, to their cheese products. While some cellulose is commonly used in grated cheese to prevent clumping, large quantities can lead to serious concerns about food safety. The presence of non-edible materials raises alarms about consumer health and safety, especially since consumers trust that the products they purchase meet safety standards.
The investigation into Castle Cheese Inc. also revealed a broader issue of mislabelling in the cheese market, with Neil Schuman from Arthur Schuman Inc. estimating that nearly 20% of all grated Parmesan cheese in the market is misbranded. This issue extends beyond just Castle Cheese Inc., and the FDA's investigation aims to ensure accountability and transparency in the entire cheese industry.
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The use of cellulose as an anti-clumping agent
Cellulose is a fibre derived from plant walls, including wood pulp, apple pulp, and corn cobs. In the context of the dairy industry, it is primarily used as an anti-caking or anti-clumping agent, ensuring that shredded cheese flows freely and does not clump together. This additive was approved by the FDA for food use several decades ago and is generally considered safe for consumption, even in large quantities, as it provides dietary bulk and may have a laxative effect.
In the case of grated Parmesan cheese, the presence of cellulose as an additive has sparked controversy and legal battles. While cellulose itself is not harmful, the issue lies in the inaccurate labelling of cheese products. Some companies have been accused of false advertising by selling products labelled as "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese" that contain significant amounts of cellulose, sometimes exceeding the acceptable range of 2% to 4%.
The controversy surrounding grated Parmesan cheese was brought to light by investigations into Castle Cheese, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company. These investigations revealed that the company had been adding wood pulp to their "100% real Parmesan cheese" products for years, sometimes in substantial quantities. This prompted further scrutiny of the grated cheese market, leading to similar findings in other brands.
To avoid the issue of cellulose in grated Parmesan cheese, some experts recommend purchasing a block of Parmesan cheese and grating it at home. This allows consumers to have full control over the ingredients and quality of the cheese they consume.
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The legal battle surrounding false advertising
The controversy surrounding grated parmesan cheese and its ingredients has sparked a series of legal battles and raised questions about false advertising. The issue centres on the discovery that some grated parmesan cheese products contain cellulose, an additive derived from wood pulp, in addition to other lower-quality cheeses. This has led to consumer deception and lawsuits against major cheese producers.
In 2016, Bloomberg conducted an investigation that revealed the presence of cellulose in several grated parmesan cheese products, with some brands containing upwards of 8% cellulose. This sparked a wave of litigation, with consumers alleging that the labelling of these products as "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese" violated state consumer protection laws and constituted false advertising.
The lawsuits were initially dismissed by U.S. District Judge Gary Feinerman, who argued that reasonable consumers could find the additional ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. However, this decision was later reversed by a federal appellate court, which sided with the consumers. The court found that grocery store shoppers should not be expected to read the fine print on every item and that the front-label claims were deceptive.
The legal battle has continued, with cheese producers facing numerous class-action lawsuits and accusations of consumer deception. The controversy has also sparked a broader discussion about food authenticity, consumer rights, and the need for transparency and regulation in the food industry.
While the presence of cellulose in grated parmesan cheese may be surprising to consumers, it is important to note that the use of cellulose as an additive in food has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for decades. However, the controversy lies in the amount of cellulose used and the potential for it to be used as a filler, rather than solely for its functional purposes.
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The impact on consumer trust and food safety
The revelation that some grated Parmesan cheese products contain wood pulp has had a significant impact on consumer trust and food safety. Consumers have expressed shock and dismay at the discovery, as they expect high-quality, authentic products when purchasing Parmesan cheese. This incident has highlighted the importance of accurate labelling and transparency in the food industry.
The presence of wood pulp in grated Parmesan cheese came to light through investigations by Bloomberg and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These investigations revealed that some companies were mislabelling their products as 100% grated Parmesan cheese when they contained significant amounts of wood pulp, as well as cheaper cheeses and other fillers. This misleading practice eroded consumer trust and raised concerns about food safety.
Consumers have a right to know what they are buying and putting into their bodies. The discovery of wood pulp and other fillers in grated Parmesan cheese has made consumers more cautious and proactive in their purchasing decisions. They are now more likely to read labels closely, question the authenticity of products, and demand transparency from food manufacturers. This incident has also sparked a dialogue about food authenticity, consumer rights, and the need for clearer standards and regulations in the food industry.
While the presence of small amounts of cellulose (wood pulp) in grated cheese is common and generally considered safe to prevent clumping, excessive amounts can raise concerns about food safety. Some consumers may have allergies or sensitivities to certain fillers or non-edible materials, underlining the importance of accurate labelling and ingredient disclosure.
The FDA's investigation into Castle Cheese, Inc. and other cheese manufacturers aims to restore consumer trust and ensure accountability in the industry. By taking legal action against companies engaging in fraudulent practices and misleading labelling, the FDA is working to protect consumers and improve food safety. This incident serves as a reminder for consumers to be vigilant and informed about the products they purchase, reading labels closely and questioning the authenticity of claims.
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The extent of the problem in the cheese industry
The grated Parmesan cheese scandal of 2016 brought to light the extent of the problem of mislabelling in the cheese industry. An investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that Castle Cheese Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company, had been adding wood pulp to their 100% grated Parmesan cheese products. The investigation also found that the company was mixing lower-quality cheeses with additives, including cellulose derived from wood pulp, to bulk up their products.
The FDA's findings sparked widespread skepticism and concern among consumers about the safety and authenticity of grated cheese products. Many consumers felt deceived and betrayed, as they trusted that the products they purchased met certain quality and safety standards. The scandal also brought to light the issue of false advertising, as companies labelled their products as "100% grated Parmesan cheese" even though they contained non-cheese ingredients.
The problem of mislabelling and the addition of non-edible materials, such as wood pulp, is not limited to Castle Cheese Inc. Neil Schuman of Arthur Schuman Inc., America's largest hard Italian cheese seller, estimated that 20% of the grated Parmesan on the market is mislabelled. Bloomberg's independent laboratory tests found that several other brands, including Essential Everyday, Great Value, Kraft, and Whole Foods, also had significant levels of cellulose in their products, ranging from 0.3% to 8.8%.
The scandal has had far-reaching implications for the cheese industry. It has underscored the critical need for transparency and regulation in food products. Organizations and regulatory bodies must collaborate closely with producers to create clearer standards and ensure that consumers can trust the authenticity and safety of the products they purchase. The scandal has also sparked an important dialogue about food authenticity, consumer rights, and the role of organizations in holding manufacturers accountable.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, grated parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, an anti-clumping agent derived from wood pulp.
Wood pulp is added to grated parmesan cheese to prevent clumping and help the cheese fall freely through the lid's holes.
Yes, wood pulp is safe to consume and is found in all plant material.
The amount of wood pulp in grated parmesan cheese can vary. While small amounts (around 2-4%) are generally accepted, some brands have been found to contain up to 8.8% cellulose.
Yes, you can buy a block of parmesan cheese and grate it yourself, or look for brands that do not list cellulose as an ingredient.
