Randy Chandler
Kraft cheese has been a topic of discussion for cheese lovers, especially those who are conscious about their health and the ingredients in their food. In 2019, Kraft Heinz announced that its Kraft Natural Cheese would be made from milk free of the artificial growth hormone rbST (recombinant bovine somatotropin), which is used to increase milk production in cows. This change was implemented to align with consumer preferences, as over half of them aim to avoid added hormones in their diet. While this initiative has been well-received, it's important to note that not all Kraft cheese products are hormone-free, and some varieties like Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago are excluded from this change.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Free from artificial hormones | Yes, Kraft cheese is free from recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), an artificial growth hormone used to increase milk production |
| Type of cheese | Natural cheese in shredded, sliced, block and snacking formats |
| Other products | Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, Touch of Philadelphia and Kraft Processed Cheese are not free from rbST |
| Reason for the change | More than half of all consumers try to avoid added hormones in their food |
| Additional information | In 2012, it was reported that all Kraft cheese, unless noted in their "organics brand", are made with milk from cows treated with rbST/rBGH |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Natural Cheese is now made without artificial hormones
Kraft Heinz has announced that its Kraft Natural Cheese is now made from milk that is free from the artificial hormone recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST). This means that Kraft's shredded cheese, natural slices, blocks, and snacking cheese products are now rbST-free. The company has stated that its decision to remove rbST from its supply chain is a response to consumer trends, as over half of all consumers try to avoid added hormones in their food.
The removal of rbST from Kraft Natural Cheese is significant because rbST is an artificial growth hormone used to increase milk production in cows. While the FDA has stated that there is no significant difference between milk derived from cows treated with rbST and those that are not, some U.S. states, such as Wisconsin, are phasing out the use of rbST in dairy production. In addition, manufacturers have begun charging more for milk without rbST.
Kraft's decision to remove rbST from its Kraft Natural Cheese products is a response to these changing consumer preferences and market trends. The company has stated that its newly non-rbST cheese products will be provided "at no additional cost," but this may change if consumers show strong demand for these products. Kraft may also decide to extend its new milk-sourcing policy to its other dairy products, which could have a significant impact on the dairy industry as Kraft is one of the biggest players in the cheese segment.
It is important to note that not all Kraft cheese products are rbST-free. The company has noted that its Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, Touch of Philadelphia, and Kraft Processed Cheese products are not included in the rbST-free lineup. However, Kraft's decision to remove rbST from its Kraft Natural Cheese products is a positive step towards providing consumers with cheese that aligns with their preferences and values.
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Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) is used to increase milk production
Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), also known as bovine growth hormone (BGH), is a synthetic hormone that is widely used in the United States dairy industry. It is injected into dairy cows to increase their milk production. The use of rbST in dairy cows has been shown to increase milk production by 10 to 15 percent.
The development of rbST can be traced back to the 1930s and 1940s when early research in Russia and England found that milk production in cows could be increased by injecting them with cattle pituitary extracts. In the 1970s, the biotech company Genentech discovered and patented the gene for BST, making it possible to synthesize the hormone using recombinant DNA technology. This led to the creation of rbST, which is an artificially synthesized form of the bovine growth hormone.
In 1993, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Monsanto's genetically modified variation of rbST for use in dairy cows. Since then, milk from rbST-treated cows has been used in various dairy products, including cheese, butter, yogurt, and ice cream. However, the use of rbST is controversial due to concerns about its impact on cow welfare and potential health risks for consumers.
An EU report on the animal welfare effects of rbST found that its use is associated with "severe and unnecessary pain, suffering, and distress" in cows, as well as an increased risk of health problems such as mastitis, reduced fertility, and poor body condition. Despite this, the FDA has affirmed the safety of milk from rbST-treated cows for human consumption, stating that rbST is degraded by digestive enzymes and does not promote biological activity in the human body.
In response to consumer demand for hormone-free products, companies like Kraft Heinz have launched product lines made from milk that is free from artificial hormones like rbST. This includes their Kraft natural cheese, which is now rbST-free in shredded, sliced, block, and snacking formats.
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Kraft's non-rbST cheese may become more expensive in the future
In 2019, Kraft Heinz announced that its Kraft Natural Cheese would be made from milk from cows raised without recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), an artificial growth hormone used to increase milk production. This change was made in response to consumer trends, as more than half of all consumers try to avoid added hormones in their food. The company noted that this decision was made to align with consumer demands and to stand out in a crowded dairy market.
Kraft's non-rbST cheese products were initially provided at no additional cost, according to Anne Field, the director of brand building for Kraft. However, she also stated that this could change if consumer demand significantly increased. Field added, "This change and announcement have been in the works for a few years, and every change comes with challenges."
The potential exists for Kraft's non-rbST cheese to become more expensive in the future. As one of the biggest players in the cheese industry, Kraft's decisions often influence other producers. If Kraft decides to increase the price of its non-rbST cheese, other manufacturers may follow suit. Additionally, manufacturers in states like Wisconsin, the second-largest dairy-producing state, have already started charging more for milk without rbST.
While Kraft's initial commitment was to provide non-rbST cheese at no extra cost, market dynamics and consumer behavior could lead to a shift in pricing. Increased consumer demand for hormone-free cheese, influenced by health and ethical concerns, may result in higher prices for Kraft's non-rbST cheese products in the future. This potential price change underscores the impact of consumer choices on the dairy industry and highlights the importance consumers place on the quality and sourcing of their food.
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Kraft's move may influence other cheese producers
Kraft Heinz announced in January 2019 that its Kraft Natural Cheese would be made from milk that is free from the artificial hormone recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST). This change was made to align with consumer trends, as more than half of all consumers try to avoid added hormones in their food. The company's shredded cheese, natural slices, blocks, and snacking cheese products are now rbST-free, while its Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, Touch of Philadelphia, and Kraft Processed Cheese are not.
Kraft's move to source milk for its natural cheese from cows raised without rbST is significant because the company is one of the biggest players in the cheese segment. As such, its decision to offer cheese made from milk without artificial hormones is likely to impact and influence other cheese producers.
Some U.S. states, such as Wisconsin, are already phasing out the use of rbST in dairy production. In Wisconsin, most dairy processors are no longer accepting milk from cows treated with rbST, and close to 90% of the state's milk was expected to be rbST-free by 2018. Manufacturers have started charging more for milk without rbST, but Kraft has stated that its newly non-rbST cheese products will be provided "at no additional cost."
Kraft's decision to remove artificial hormones from its cheese products could encourage other cheese producers to follow suit and source milk from cows that have not been treated with rbST. This move could become a new standard in the industry, as consumers become more conscious of the presence of added hormones in their food.
However, it is important to note that the FDA issued guidance in 1994 stating that there is no significant difference in milk derived from cows treated with rbST and those that are not. Nevertheless, Kraft's decision to remove artificial hormones from its cheese products demonstrates its commitment to meeting consumer demands and staying competitive in a crowded dairy market.
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Some Kraft cheeses are still made with rbST/rbGH
In 2019, Kraft Heinz announced that its Kraft Natural Cheese would be made from milk from cows raised without recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), an artificial growth hormone used to increase milk production. This change was in response to consumer trends, as more than half of all consumers try to avoid added hormones in their food. The rbST-free lineup includes natural cheese in shredded, sliced, block, and snacking formats.
However, it is important to note that this change does not apply to all Kraft cheese products. The company noted in a release that their Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, Touch of Philadelphia, and Kraft Processed Cheese would still be made with milk from cows treated with rbST. Additionally, a blog post from 2012 stated that all Kraft cheese, unless noted in their "organics brand," is made with milk from cows treated with rbST/rBGH.
The artificial hormone rbST has been associated with increased risks of certain cancers by elevating levels of another hormone, IGF-1. High levels of IGF-1 have been linked to breast, prostate, and colon cancer. In addition, cows treated with rbST/rBGH have higher rates of udder infections, and the use of antibiotics to treat these infections can lead to the growth of resistant bacteria.
While Kraft's decision to remove rbST from some of its cheese products is a step towards addressing consumer concerns and the potential health risks associated with artificial hormones, it is clear that not all of their cheese products are hormone-free. Some Kraft cheeses are still made with rbST/rBGH, and consumers must refer to product labels and information to make informed choices.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kraft Heinz announced in 2019 that its Kraft Natural Cheese products are now made from milk without the artificial growth hormone rbST. This includes shredded cheese, natural slices, blocks, and snacking cheese.
Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), also known as bovine growth hormone, is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone in cows. It is used to increase milk production in dairy cows.
Kraft removed rbST from its cheese products in response to consumer trends. More than half of all consumers try to avoid added hormones in their food, and Kraft wanted to align its products with these preferences.
Yes, there are potential health benefits to consuming cheese made from milk that is free of artificial hormones. RBST has been linked to increased risks of certain cancers and antibiotic resistance in humans.
