Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese is a popular variety of cheese used in a variety of dishes. However, there have been concerns about the presence of wood pulp or sawdust in grated Parmesan cheese. While the idea of consuming sawdust may seem alarming, it is important to understand the facts behind these claims. The controversy revolves around the ingredient cellulose, which is derived from plant sources and added to grated Parmesan cheese as an anti-clumping agent. While cellulose is not cheese, it is a common food additive and is generally recognized as safe for consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Parmesan cheese made out of sawdust? | No, but it may contain cellulose, an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp. |
| Percentage of cellulose in Parmesan cheese | Bloomberg's test results showed that Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Jewel-Osco contained 8.8% cellulose, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese contained 7.8% cellulose, and Kraft had 3.8% cellulose. |
| FDA's role | The FDA could step in on these matters but generally prioritizes health risks. |
| How to avoid cellulose in Parmesan cheese | Buy actual Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself, or buy wedges of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano sold in the cheese section. |
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What You'll Learn
- Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese were involved in a lawsuit over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese
- The percentage of cellulose in some products may be surprising
- Cellulose is an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp
- The president of Castle Cheese is scheduled to plead guilty to charges of producing Parmesan cheese containing no actual Parmesan
- If you want to avoid cellulose, buy a wedge of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano
Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese were involved in a lawsuit over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese
Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese were among several companies involved in a lawsuit over their "100% grated Parmesan cheese" products. The lawsuit, initially filed in 2016, alleged deceptive and misleading business practices, claiming that the products were falsely labelled as "100% grated Parmesan cheese" when they actually contained fillers.
The issue revolves around the use of cellulose, an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp, as an ingredient in grated Parmesan cheese. While cellulose is a natural and common food additive derived from plants, its presence means that the product is not solely Parmesan cheese. The controversy stems from the interpretation of the label "100% grated Parmesan cheese", with consumers arguing that it implies the product contains only cheese, while the companies defend that "grated" changes the meaning and that the front label indicates the cheese type, not the sole ingredient.
The lawsuit against these companies was initially dismissed when it was found that the product labels listed cellulose as an ingredient. However, it was revived by a federal appeals court in 2020, which ruled that it was unreasonable to expect consumers to rely on fine print and that the front labels were misleading. The lawsuit accused the companies of unlawful, deceptive, and misleading business practices.
The companies involved in the lawsuit have faced significant backlash and negative publicity, with headlines suggesting that their Parmesan cheese products contain wood or sawdust. However, it is important to clarify that the presence of cellulose does not equate to the presence of wood or sawdust, and no company is grinding up wood chips and mixing them with cheese. The controversy highlights the importance of accurate and transparent food labelling, with consumers demanding to know exactly what they are consuming.
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The percentage of cellulose in some products may be surprising
Cellulose is an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp and is added to grated cheese to prevent caking. It is a white powder, which can be difficult to distinguish from the cheese itself. While some cellulose is allowed and acceptable in grated cheese, with one cheese expert suggesting a range of 2 to 4 percent, many of the tested brands fell outside this range. This has led to lawsuits and negative headlines for companies like Kraft Heinz, Walmart, and Albertsons, with consumers feeling deceived by the product labelling.
It is important to note that cellulose is not sawdust, although it is a component of sawdust as it is found in all plant material. It is a natural and normal part of our diet, providing insoluble fibre that is important for our digestive process. However, the presence of significant amounts of cellulose in grated parmesan cheese highlights the importance of reading ingredient lists and understanding the impact of specific wording on product labels.
To avoid cellulose in your parmesan cheese, it is recommended to purchase wedges of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano sold in the cheese section. These are aged cheeses that do not contain the same additives as their grated counterparts. While they may be more expensive, you can be assured that they are 100% cheese without any fillers or anti-clumping agents.
In conclusion, while the presence of cellulose in some products may be surprising, it is not a cause for alarm. However, it does serve as a reminder to be vigilant about checking ingredient lists and understanding the implications of certain labelling practices.
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Cellulose is an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp
It's a common misconception that Parmesan cheese contains sawdust. This idea likely stems from the presence of cellulose in grated Parmesan cheese. Cellulose is an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp, also known as powdered cellulose. It is added to grated or shredded Parmesan cheese to prevent caking and clumping, improving the flow and texture of the product.
Cellulose is a natural component of plant cell walls, providing strength and rigidity. While it is true that cellulose is present in sawdust and wood pulp, as they are derived from plants, it is not the same as grinding up wood chips or sawdust and adding them to cheese. Cellulose is a common additive in many foods and is completely safe for human consumption. It is found in all plant material, including fruits, vegetables, and dietary fiber.
The controversy surrounding Parmesan cheese and cellulose arose when it was discovered that some cheese companies were mislabelling their products as "100% grated Parmesan cheese" when they contained cellulose and other types of cheese, such as Swiss, mozzarella, and cheddar. This led to lawsuits and negative headlines, with some companies being involved in legal proceedings.
It's important to note that cellulose is not present in wedges of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano sold in the cheese section. These are aged cheeses that do not require anti-clumping agents and are 100% cheese. However, if consumers wish to avoid cellulose in their grated Parmesan cheese, they can opt for wedges and grate the cheese themselves.
While the addition of cellulose as an anti-clumping agent in grated Parmesan cheese is not harmful, it is essential for consumers to be aware of the ingredients in their food and make informed choices. Checking ingredient lists and understanding food labels can help consumers make decisions that align with their preferences and values.
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The president of Castle Cheese is scheduled to plead guilty to charges of producing Parmesan cheese containing no actual Parmesan
The president of Castle Cheese is scheduled to plead guilty to charges of producing and selling Parmesan cheese containing no actual Parmesan. The company has been accused of selling cheese that did not meet FDA or FDCA standards and was mislabelled as 100% real cheese. This case is part of a string of criminal prosecutions by the federal government related to adulterated foods, including cantaloupe that caused a deadly listeria outbreak and Salmonella-contaminated peanut butter products.
The Castle Cheese case specifically involves the company's Parmesan cheese products, which were found to contain high levels of cellulose, a filler made from wood pulp. While cellulose is a natural and normal ingredient in many vegetable products, its presence in grated Parmesan cheese at such high levels is deceptive and misleading to consumers. The company supplied major retailers like Target, and Bloomberg estimates that up to 20% of such cheese products are mislabelled.
The president of Castle Cheese faces charges that carry a sentence of up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Michelle Myrter, the daughter of Castle Cheese Co-CEO George Myrter, has already pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor criminal count in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. She admitted to aiding and abetting the introduction of adulterated and misbranded cheese products, which is a violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
This case highlights the importance of accurate labelling and the need for consumers to be vigilant about the ingredients in their food. While cellulose may be a harmless ingredient, its presence in high quantities in grated Parmesan cheese can be seen as a deceptive filler, giving consumers less of the actual cheese product than they expect. Consumers can avoid this issue by purchasing wedges of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano, which are aged cheeses that do not contain cellulose or other fillers.
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If you want to avoid cellulose, buy a wedge of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano
Cellulose is an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp and is added to grated or shredded Parmesan cheese to prevent caking. It is listed as an ingredient on the nutrition facts label of grated Parmesan cheese, but it is not present in wedges of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano. While it is not harmful to consume cellulose, as it is found in all plant material, some people may prefer to avoid it.
The controversy surrounding the presence of cellulose in grated Parmesan cheese stems from the fact that it is not 100% cheese, despite what the label may claim. The addition of the word "grated" to the label allows for the inclusion of other ingredients, such as cellulose, under food law. This has led to lawsuits against companies like Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese.
To avoid cellulose in your Parmesan cheese, it is best to buy a wedge of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself. This way, you can be sure that you are consuming pure Parmesan cheese without any added ingredients. While it may be more expensive, it is a way to ensure the quality and purity of the cheese.
In summary, if you want to avoid cellulose, buy a wedge of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano instead of grated or shredded Parmesan cheese. These wedges are 100% cheese and do not contain any extra ingredients. By grating your own cheese, you can have peace of mind and enjoy the unique flavor and texture of pure Parmesan.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Parmesan cheese is not made out of sawdust. However, it may contain cellulose, an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp, to prevent caking.
Cellulose is added to grated Parmesan cheese as an anti-clumping agent to prevent caking.
Yes, it is safe to consume cellulose. It is a natural and normal part of consuming plant products and is an essential part of the digestive process.
Yes, you can buy a block of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself.
Popular brands of grated Parmesan cheese that have been found to contain cellulose include Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese, Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese, Kraft, and Whole Foods.
