Patrick Oconnell
Natamycin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections, especially around the eye. It is also used in the food industry as a preservative to prevent mould and fungus from forming. It is commonly added to shredded cheese to increase its shelf life. While some individuals are sensitive to ingesting natamycin, many governmental and health organizations, including the FDA, have deemed it safe for consumption. The amount of natamycin in food is also much lower than that prescribed for medical treatments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natamycin | Is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections around the eye |
| Is used as a preservative in the food industry | |
| Is used to prevent mold and fungus from forming on shredded cheese | |
| Extends the shelf life of shredded cheese | |
| Is not approved for use on meats in the United States | |
| Is banned by Whole Foods and Lebanon's health ministry | |
| Safety Concerns | Negligible absorption into the body when used medicinally |
| The amount added to shredded cheese is minimal compared to the dose used for medical treatments | |
| The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers the proposed use levels of natamycin to be safe | |
| The amount in shredded cheese is likely safe and one would have to consume pounds of it to have any potential negative effects |
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What You'll Learn
Natamycin is an antifungal medication
In the food industry, natamycin is used to prevent mould and fungus from forming on cheese and sausages. It is especially useful in shredded cheese, as the increased surface area of the shreds makes them more susceptible to mould growth during handling and storage. By inhibiting mould, natamycin can extend the shelf life of shredded cheese from less than two weeks to up to 38 days.
Natamycin has been approved as a food additive in the European Union, where it is permitted as a surface preservative for specific cheese and dried sausage products. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has deemed the proposed use levels of natamycin safe for these applications. However, it is important to note that natamycin is not approved for use on meats in the United States.
While some people have expressed concerns about the presence of natamycin in shredded cheese, suggesting that it may be toxic or negatively impact health, these claims are controversial. The amount of natamycin added to shredded cheese is minimal compared to the doses used for medical treatments, and it shows negligible absorption into the body when consumed at typical levels. Nonetheless, it is worth mentioning that natamycin is not available over the counter, and some retailers like Whole Foods have chosen to ban it from their dairy products.
In summary, natamycin is an antifungal medication with applications in both healthcare and the food industry. When used in shredded cheese, it effectively prevents mould growth and extends shelf life. While there are differing opinions on its safety as a food additive, regulatory bodies like the EFSA have assessed it as safe for specific applications, and it is already widely used in the market.
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It is used to treat eye infections
Natamycin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections around the eye, including infections of the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea. It is applied topically as eye drops or as a cream. Natamycin is also used in the food industry as a preservative and to prevent mould and fungus from forming. It is commonly added to shredded cheese to prevent mould growth due to the increased surface area of the shreds, which can lead to spoilage.
Natamycin is used to treat eye infections such as Candida, Aspergillus, Cephalosporium, Fusarium, and Penicillium. It is effective against a range of fungi that can cause infections in the eye. When administered as eye drops or cream, natamycin shows negligible absorption into the body, making it a safe and effective treatment option for eye infections.
The use of natamycin in food products, particularly shredded cheese, has been a topic of debate. Some people have expressed concerns about the potential impact of consuming natamycin on human health. However, it is important to note that the amount of natamycin added to shredded cheese is minimal compared to the dose used for medical treatments. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has deemed the proposed use levels of natamycin safe for surface treatment of cheese and sausage products.
Natamycin helps extend the shelf life of shredded cheese, preventing mould growth and reducing product returns for manufacturers. While some retailers, like Whole Foods, have banned natamycin in their dairy products, others argue that the amount present in shredded cheese is unlikely to cause harm. The debate highlights the differing perspectives on the use of natamycin in food versus its medical applications for treating eye infections.
Overall, natamycin is an effective treatment for eye infections when used as eye drops or cream. Its antifungal properties make it a valuable medication for managing fungal infections around the eye. While the presence of natamycin in shredded cheese has sparked concerns, the amount used is significantly lower than medical doses, and its use as a preservative is approved by food safety authorities.
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It is added to shredded cheese to prevent mould
Natamycin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections, including Candida, Aspergillus, Cephalosporium, Fusarium, and Penicillium. It is applied topically as a cream, in eye drops, or as a lozenge for oral infections. In the food industry, it is used as a preservative to prevent mould and fungus from forming on food products, particularly cheese.
Cheese, especially shredded cheese, is highly susceptible to mould growth due to its large surface area. Natamycin is added to shredded cheese to inhibit mould growth and extend its shelf life. According to the Dutch chemical company DSM, natamycin can increase the shelf life of cheese from less than two weeks to up to 38 days.
The use of natamycin in food products, especially cheese, has sparked concerns among consumers. Some people suspect that natamycin is the ingredient that makes shredded cheese toxic. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has deemed the proposed use levels of natamycin safe for surface treatment of certain cheese and sausage types. The amount of natamycin added to shredded cheese is minimal compared to the dose used for medical treatments, and it shows negligible absorption into the body when consumed.
While natamycin is deemed safe by regulatory authorities, some retailers, such as Whole Foods, have chosen to ban it from their products. Lebanon's health ministry also objected to the use of natamycin in dairy products, and Russia's consumer watchdog investigated reports of natamycin in imported cheese.
In conclusion, natamycin is added to shredded cheese to effectively prevent mould and extend its shelf life. While it has been deemed safe by food safety authorities, some consumers and retailers remain cautious about its use in food products.
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It extends the shelf life of shredded cheese
Natamycin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections, including Candida, Aspergillus, Cephalosporium, Fusarium, and Penicillium. It is applied topically as a cream, in eye drops, or as a lozenge for oral infections. In the food industry, it is used as a preservative to prevent mould and fungus from forming.
Natamycin is commonly added to shredded cheese to prevent mould growth and extend its shelf life. Shredded cheese has a large surface area exposed to air, which increases the risk of mould and fungus formation. Natamycin effectively inhibits mould growth and extends the shelf life of shredded cheese from less than two weeks to up to 38 days. This benefit is significant for both consumers and manufacturers, reducing food waste and ensuring product longevity.
The amount of natamycin added to shredded cheese as a preservative is minimal and considered safe for consumption. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has deemed the proposed use levels of natamycin safe for surface treatment on cheese and dried sausage products. Natamycin also diffuses slower and to a lesser extent into cheese compared to other alternatives like sorbate, which can negatively impact flavour.
However, it's important to note that some retailers and countries have expressed concerns about the use of natamycin. Whole Foods and Lebanon, for example, have shown distaste for the use of this preservative in dairy products. Additionally, some consumers have raised concerns about the safety of consuming natamycin, with claims that it may negatively impact the microbiome or be linked to health issues like colon cancer.
While the amount of natamycin in shredded cheese is likely negligible and safe, further research and scientific advice are always beneficial to ensure consumer safety and address any potential concerns about this preservative's use in food products.
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It is approved for use in the EU
Natamycin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections, including Candida, Aspergillus, Cephalosporium, Fusarium, and Penicillium. It is applied topically as a cream, in eye drops, or as a lozenge for oral infections. In the food industry, it is used as a preservative to prevent mould and fungus from forming on certain foods, including cheese and dried sausage products.
Natamycin is commonly added to shredded cheese to prevent mould growth and extend the product's shelf life. Shredded cheese has a large surface area that is highly susceptible to mould and fungus formation. Natamycin helps to inhibit mould growth, keeping the product stable and safe for consumption.
In the European Union, natamycin is approved as a food additive for use only as a surface preservative. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has deemed the proposed use levels of natamycin to be safe for specific cheese and sausage types. Natamycin has an E number of E235.
While natamycin is approved in the EU, it is important to note that some organisations and countries have raised objections to its use. For example, Whole Foods and Lebanon have expressed concerns about the use of natamycin in dairy products. Additionally, Russia's consumer watchdog investigated reports of natamycin in cheese imported by McDonald's.
The debate around natamycin in shredded cheese centres on its potential impact on health. Some people suspect that natamycin may be toxic or negatively affect the gut microbiome. However, it is important to note that the amount of natamycin added to shredded cheese is minimal compared to the doses used for medical treatments. The absorption of natamycin by the body is also considered negligible when consumed in food or used topically for treating fungal infections.
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Frequently asked questions
Natamycin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections. It is also used as a preservative in shredded cheese to prevent mould and fungus from forming and to extend the shelf life of the cheese. While natamycin is generally considered safe for consumption, some people may have concerns about its use in food due to its medical applications.
Shredded cheese has a large surface area that is exposed to air, making it prone to spoilage caused by mould and fungus. Natamycin is used to inhibit mould growth and extend the shelf life of shredded cheese.
The amount of natamycin added to shredded cheese is minimal compared to the dose used for medical treatments. While consuming mould or fungus from cheese can be harmful to humans in high doses, the small amount of natamycin in shredded cheese is likely safe for consumption. However, some people may have concerns or prefer to avoid it.
