Frederic Melton
Kraft Parmesan cheese is marketed as 100% grated Parmesan cheese, but its status as real Parmesan is questionable. In the US, the word Parmesan is unregulated, and the product may be an imitation of traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano. Kraft Parmesan cheese has been found to contain illegal ingredients, such as cellulose, potassium sorbate, and cheese culture, and has been criticised for misleading consumers with ambiguous labelling. The product has low processing concerns, indicating minimal artificial ingredients and more whole food ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Milk, rennet, salt, cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, cheese culture, enzymes |
| Processing | Low processing concerns |
| Additives | Persistent Organic Pollutant (POPs), enzymes |
| Taste | Sharp, tangy, nutty, salty |
| Texture | Grated |
| Packaging | 8 oz shaker bottle |
| Region | Produced in the US |
| Legality | Banned from being sold as Parmesan in Europe |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Kraft Parmesan is banned in Europe due to misleading labelling
Kraft Parmesan is not banned in Europe. However, there has been an attempt to ban the use of the term "Parmesan" to describe American-made cheese in Europe. The European Union has proposed prohibiting the United States from employing certain European cheese names, such as Parmesan, Feta, and Gruyere, for cheeses produced in the United States as part of free trade discussions. The argument is that American-made cheeses are inferior imitations of their European counterparts and negatively impact their sales and identity.
The European Union has defined Parmesan as genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano, made according to Italian D.O.C. regulations, since 2008. This means that within the European Union, Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano are considered the same cheese. In contrast, the term "`Parmesan`" is unregulated in the United States, and a cheese labeled as such is likely an imitation.
Kraft Parmesan cheese has come under fire for misleading labeling and the presence of unauthorized ingredients. According to the FDA, Parmesan cheese is allowed to contain only three ingredients: milk, rennet, and salt. However, Kraft's Grated Parmesan Cheese was found to contain cellulose, potassium sorbate, cheese culture, and wood pulp. This led to lawsuits by consumers alleging that they were deceived by the "100% grated Parmesan cheese" labels, as the products contained cellulose filling.
While a U.S. judge dismissed these lawsuits, the issue of Parmesan fraud and misleading labeling remains a concern for consumers who want to ensure they are getting authentic products. The European Union's proposal to ban the use of the term "Parmesan" for American-made cheese aims to protect the traditions and quality of Italian cheese and prevent consumers from being misled by deceptive labeling practices.
Parmesan Cheese: Kraft's Aging Process Explained
You may want to see also
Kraft Parmesan contains illegal ingredients
Kraft Parmesan is considered an imitation of the Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano. While the term "Parmesan" is not regulated in the United States, it is defined by law in the European Union as genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano made according to Italian D.O.C. regulations. This discrepancy has allowed Kraft to market its product as "Parmesan" in the United States, despite containing illegal ingredients.
According to the FDA’s Code of Federal Regulations, Parmesan cheese is allowed to have only three ingredients: milk, rennet, and salt. Small enzyme particles of plant and animal origins are permitted during the fermentation process, but they can only comprise 0.01% or less of the total weight of the milk used. However, Kraft's Grated Parmesan Cheese has been found to contain cellulose, potassium sorbate, and cheese culture, which are not allowed in Parmesan cheese production. These ingredients are considered illegal and are not found in genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano.
The presence of these illegal ingredients has led to criticism and legal action against Kraft. In Europe, Kraft was forbidden from selling its cheese labeled as Parmesan due to its misleading nature. The issue of Parmesan fraud and the inclusion of illegal ingredients have been highlighted by various sources, including Forbes Magazine, bringing attention to the potential deceit and confusion caused by Kraft's labeling practices.
It is important to note that the use of these illegal ingredients may have implications for consumer health and safety. The addition of cellulose, for example, has been linked to the presence of wood pulp in the cheese, which is not a desirable ingredient for consumers. Additionally, the use of antibiotics and milk-boosting hormone injections (rBGH) in dairy production, while not specific to Kraft Parmesan, is also a concern for breeding antibiotic-resistant bacteria and poses public health and animal welfare issues.
In conclusion, Kraft Parmesan contains illegal ingredients that are not permitted in the production of genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano. This has led to criticism, legal action, and concerns over consumer health and safety. While the term "Parmesan" may be loosely defined in the United States, it is essential for consumers to be aware of the actual ingredients and the potential implications of consuming these illegal additives.
Is Coles' Parmesan Cheese Vegetarian-Friendly?
You may want to see also
Kraft Parmesan is made with imitation Parmigiano-Reggiano
Kraft Parmesan is a processed cheese product. In the United States, the word "Parmesan" is not regulated, and a cheese labelled as Parmesan may be genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano, but it is more likely to be an imitation.
The only true Parmesan is Parmigiano-Reggiano, a hard cow's milk cheese produced in the Parma, Reggio-Emilia, Modena, and Bologna regions of Italy. Under European law, only cheese produced in this region can be called Parmigiano-Reggiano. The cheese has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages in Bibbiano, Italy. The production process is highly specific: cows must be fed grass or hay only; the cheese is made in heated copper kettles, rested in moulds, soaked in brine, then aged for a minimum of twelve months. It contains unpasteurized milk, salt, and rennet only.
In contrast, Kraft Parmesan is a commercially produced imitation cheese. It is made with additional ingredients not found in Parmigiano-Reggiano, such as cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese cultures. These ingredients are completely illegal in the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Kraft Parmesan also has a distinct powdery, sawdust-like consistency. While it may be suitable for sprinkling on pizza or popcorn, it is not an adequate substitute for Parmigiano-Reggiano in dishes like meatballs.
The difference in quality and taste between Kraft Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano is significant. Parmigiano-Reggiano has a protected name and strict production standards, ensuring a consistent level of quality. While it is possible to make high-quality Parmesan outside of Italy, it will never taste exactly like Parmigiano-Reggiano due to factors such as the transport of milk and climate differences.
The lack of regulation around the term "Parmesan" in the United States has led to consumer confusion and misrepresentation in the market. Kraft has been criticized for taking advantage of this lax definition, with their product being legally banned from sale in Europe.
Is Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Always Pasteurized?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kraft Parmesan is highly processed
According to the FDA’s Code of Federal Regulations, Parmesan cheese is allowed to have only three ingredients: milk, rennet (to harden the cheese), and salt. Small amounts of enzymes of plant and animal origins are allowed to enter the cheese during fermentation, but these can only make up 0.01% or less of the total weight of the milk used. However, Kraft's Grated Parmesan Cheese has been found to contain cellulose, potassium sorbate, and cheese culture, on top of wood pulp. These additives are illegal in the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Due to the presence of these additives, Kraft was legally forbidden from selling their product labelled as Parmesan in Europe. However, in the United States, the lax definition of "Parmesan" allows Kraft to market their product as such. This has led to consumer confusion, as many assume that Kraft Parmesan is equivalent to Parmigiano-Reggiano.
It is important to note that highly processed foods like Kraft Parmesan may pose health risks. Cheese is already a significant source of saturated fat, sodium, and calories in the American diet. The addition of artificial ingredients and chemicals in processed cheese can further contribute to health concerns. Therefore, it is essential for consumers to be aware of the ingredients and processing methods of the foods they consume.
While Kraft Parmesan may be convenient and add flavour to dishes, it is important to recognise that it is a highly processed product that differs significantly from traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Is Coles' Parmesan Cheese Halal?
You may want to see also
Kraft Parmesan contains Persistent Organic Pollutants
Kraft Parmesan cheese has been found to contain Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). POPs are contaminants that can come from various sources, including milk, cheese, and cheese culture. While the presence of POPs in Kraft Parmesan is considered a lower concern in food, it is still important to be aware of their existence.
The detection of POPs in Kraft Parmesan cheese has raised concerns among consumers and highlights the importance of understanding the ingredients and potential contaminants in the food we consume. Persistent Organic Pollutants are chemical substances that persist in the environment and can have harmful effects on human health and the ecosystem. These pollutants can accumulate in the food chain, leading to potential health risks for humans and other organisms.
In the case of Kraft Parmesan, the source of POPs contamination is likely due to the milk and cheese-making process. High-fat dairy products, such as those used in Parmesan cheese production, are known to be key sources of dioxin and other persistent organic pollutants. Dioxin is a highly toxic compound that can have significant adverse effects on human health, even at low levels of exposure.
To reduce the intake of these pollutants, it is recommended to limit the consumption of fatty meats and dairy products. Consumers are advised to opt for lower-fat alternatives or choose plant-based options to minimize their exposure to POPs. Additionally, it is important to note that the processing and packaging of cheese can also introduce contaminants, further emphasizing the need for careful consideration when selecting cheese products.
The presence of POPs in Kraft Parmesan cheese underscores the importance of transparency and accurate labeling in the food industry. Consumers have the right to know the potential risks associated with the food they purchase and consume. By being aware of the presence of POPs and other contaminants, individuals can make informed decisions about their dietary choices and take steps to reduce their exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Parmesan Cheese Safety During Pregnancy
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kraft Parmesan cheese is processed. It has been classified as having low processing concerns, meaning it has few artificial ingredients and more ingredients that are whole foods or are minimally processed.
Kraft Parmesan cheese is made with premium quality milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, cellulose powder, and potassium sorbate.
In the US, the word "Parmesan" is not regulated, so it can be difficult to determine if a product labeled as Parmesan is genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano. Kraft Parmesan cheese is considered an imitation of Parmigiano-Reggiano, as it contains ingredients that are not found in the traditional Italian cheese, such as cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese culture.
According to the FDA's Code of Federal Regulations, Parmesan cheese is allowed to contain only three ingredients: milk, rennet, and salt. Small enzyme particles of plant and animal origins may also be present during the fermentation process, but they must make up no more than 0.01% of the total weight of the milk used. Kraft Parmesan cheese contains additional ingredients, such as cellulose powder, potassium sorbate, and cheese culture, which are not found in traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Cheese is a significant source of saturated fat, sodium, and calories in the American diet. Kraft Parmesan cheese may contain antibiotics and milk-boosting hormone injections (rBGH), which are not allowed in European cheese production due to public health and animal welfare concerns. However, it has been rated by EWG's Food Scores as having low processing concerns, which suggests that it may be relatively healthier compared to other processed cheese products.
