Frederic Melton
Président® Feta Crumbles are a popular variety of feta cheese that is made in the European tradition, using milk from cows that are never given artificial growth hormones. While some vegetarians may choose to avoid dairy products, others, known as lacto-ovo vegetarians, still consume dairy and eggs. Président® Feta Crumbles are made with pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, and enzymes, and the company assures that the milk used to make their products is antibiotic-free. So, is President Feta Cheese suitable for vegetarians?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes, cellulose powder, natamycin |
| Cows treated with | Antibiotics (only when necessary under the advice of a veterinarian) |
| Milk used | Antibiotic-free |
| Artificial growth hormones | Not given to cows |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese ingredients
Feta cheese is a Greek brined white cheese made from sheep milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. It is characterised by its soft texture, small or no holes, and absence of skin. The cheese is crumbly with a slightly grainy texture and is formed into large blocks. Feta has a tangy, mildly sour, and salty flavour, ranging from mild to sharp, with a hint of sweetness. The aroma of the cheese is reminiscent of ewe's milk, butter, and yoghurt.
The process of making feta cheese involves heating whole milk to 93°F and adding a starter culture of microorganisms, such as MM100 culture, to initiate the ripening process. After ripening, rennet is added, and the mixture is slowly stirred to allow for thickening and setting. The curds are then cut into small cubes and slowly stirred again to release the whey, with the duration of stirring impacting the final texture of the cheese. Once the curds reach the desired dryness, they are transferred to sanitised molds, and the whey is drained.
The dry-salting process is an important step in feta cheese production, followed by ageing or maturation in brine (a salt and water solution). This ageing process can take place in wooden barrels or metal vessels, with the traditional barrel ageing method imparting a unique flavour to the cheese. Feta cheese is typically aged for several weeks at room temperature and then for a minimum of two months in a refrigerated, high-humidity environment.
High-quality feta cheese is known for its creamy texture and distinct aroma and flavour, which are influenced by the biodiversity of the land and the breeds of sheep and goats used for milk production. The use of pasteurised or unpasteurised milk can also impact the production process, with most producers opting for pasteurised milk in modern times.
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Vegetarian diet
Feta cheese is vegetarian, as it is made from pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, and enzymes. A vegetarian diet excludes animal flesh, such as meat, poultry, and fish, but some vegetarians, known as lacto-ovo vegetarians, still consume dairy and eggs.
A vegetarian diet has gained popularity in recent years, with an estimated 6% and 5% of the population in North America and Europe, respectively, following a vegetarian diet, while about 19% of the population in Asia is vegetarian. There are several forms of vegetarianism, each with different restrictions. A vegan diet, for example, eliminates not only meat, fish, and poultry but also eggs, dairy products, and other animal-derived products, such as honey. On the other hand, a flexitarian diet is mostly vegetarian but incorporates occasional meat, fish, or poultry.
To maintain a healthy vegetarian diet, it is important to include a variety of food groups. The NHS recommends eating at least five 80g portions of fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or juiced fruit and vegetables each day. Fruit and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which aid in digestion and prevent constipation. Starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, cereals, rice, and pasta should make up just over a third of the food you eat, and it is recommended to choose wholegrain varieties whenever possible. Milk and dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, are good sources of protein, calcium, and vitamins A and B12. However, lower fat and lower sugar options are healthier choices. Pulses, including beans, peas, and lentils, are an important source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals for those who do not eat meat, fish, or dairy products. Additionally, nuts and seeds provide protein and other nutrients.
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Antibiotics in dairy farming
Dairy farming has changed significantly over the years, moving from small-scale family farms to large-scale industrialised agriculture and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). This shift has brought about various challenges, including the increased use of antibiotics in dairy farming.
Antibiotics are administered to dairy animals for therapeutic purposes, such as treating mastitis and other diseases. However, the confined and unsanitary living conditions in CAFOs have led to the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics to compensate for these suboptimal conditions. This misuse of antibiotics has resulted in the development of antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacteria, which has infiltrated the food system and poses a significant risk to human health. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 22% of AR infections originate from foodborne pathogens.
The presence of antibiotic residues in milk and other dairy products is a serious concern. Regulatory authorities like the EFSA, FDA, and Codex Alimentarius have established tolerance levels for antibiotic residues, known as Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). These limits are based on the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), which is the amount of a substance that can be safely ingested daily over a lifetime. However, the complex nature of the problem makes it challenging to separate AR sources in milk from other factors related to farming practices and the environment.
The use of antibiotics in dairy farming also has environmental implications. Antibiotic residues are excreted through whey, urine, and faeces, contaminating surface soil and impacting local groundwater quality. Additionally, the recycling of dairy by-products, such as whey and manure, can further spread antibiotic residues to crops and the surrounding environment.
To address these issues, educational initiatives like the National Dairy FARM Program's Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual provide guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in dairy farming. This manual helps farmers avoid drug residues in milk and meat by detailing which antibiotics are approved for treating dairy animals. Consumers are also increasingly urging dairy companies to adopt more sustainable practices, such as committing to organic milk production, to reduce the reliance on CAFOs and antibiotics.
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Vegetarian cheese brands
Feta cheese is a vegetarian product, as it is made from pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, and enzymes. However, some additives and ingredients used in the production of feta cheese may be non-vegetarian, such as animal-derived rennet. Some brands of feta cheese that are considered vegetarian-friendly include Epiros Original Feta and Président Feta Cheese.
When it comes to vegetarian cheese brands, there are several options available. Here is a list of brands known to offer vegetarian cheeses:
- Cabot: Cabot cheeses, except for their American and Mexican blends, are vegetarian-friendly. Cabot cheese is also lactose-free, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance.
- Lucerne (Safeway): The white cheeses from Lucerne are vegetarian, while the orange cheeses are not.
- Kirkland Signature (Costco): All Kirkland Signature cheeses, except for Parmigiano-Reggiano and Manchego, are made with microbial rennet and are suitable for vegetarians.
- Laughing Cow: All cheeses produced by Laughing Cow are suitable for vegetarians.
- Kroger: Kroger offers a variety of vegetarian cheeses, including grated Parmesan.
- Trader Joe's: Trader Joe's has several vegetarian options, including a rare vegetarian Parmesan.
- BelGioioso: This brand offers a Parmesan cheese specifically labelled as "Vegetarian Parmesan".
- Frigo, Whole Foods, Organic Valley, and Stella: These brands are mentioned as vegetarian-safe options.
- Kosher brands: Kosher cheese brands like Haolam and Migdal are also suitable for vegetarians.
- Kraft: Kraft offers a range of vegetarian cheeses, including the Kraft Cracker Barrel cheese, although some varieties may contain lipase, which is not vegetarian.
It is always a good idea to check the ingredient lists and look for labels or certifications that indicate vegetarian-friendly products. Additionally, some sources recommend using apps like the Fig App, which can scan product barcodes and flag non-vegetarian ingredients.
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Cows and artificial growth hormones
Feta cheese is a vegetarian product, and Président® Feta Cheese is no exception. The product contains pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes, cellulose powder, and natamycin. The company also ensures that the milk used to make Président® products is antibiotic-free, as the milk from a dairy cow under antibiotic treatment is not offered for sale.
Now, let's talk about cows and artificial growth hormones. The use of artificial growth hormones in cows, specifically dairy cows and beef cattle, has been a topic of interest and concern for consumers and farmers alike. Artificial growth hormones, also known as steroid hormone drugs or implants, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in certain types of cattle since the 1950s. These hormones include natural and synthetic versions of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, trenbolone acetate, and zeranol. The FDA's approval is based on studies that demonstrate the safety of consuming meat and milk from treated animals and the effectiveness of these drugs in increasing the animal's growth rate and feed conversion efficiency.
One specific artificial growth hormone for dairy cows is Bovine Somatotropin (bST), which increases milk production. bST is a protein hormone naturally produced in the pituitary gland of animals, and its synthetic form, Posilac™, was approved by the FDA in 1993. Posilac™ is administered to dairy cows through subcutaneous injections every 14 days during the lactation period, which typically lasts around 10 months. The FDA has determined that the milk and meat from cows treated with Posilac™ are safe for human consumption, as bST is degraded by digestive enzymes and does not affect biological activity in humans.
While the FDA has approved these artificial growth hormones for beef cattle, they have not approved them for use in dairy cows, veal calves, pigs, or poultry. This is an important distinction, as the use of these hormones can impact the health and well-being of the animals and raise concerns among consumers about the safety of the meat and milk products derived from treated animals. It is worth noting that naturally occurring hormones are essential for the normal development, growth, and reproduction of all animals, including cattle. However, the additional hormones administered through implants can enhance the effects of these natural hormones, leading to increased growth rates and feed efficiency.
The use of artificial growth hormones in beef cattle has sparked debates and concerns among consumers. While some believe that hormone-implanted beef may be unsafe for consumption due to increased estrogenic activity, others argue that the actual amount of additional hormones consumed is relatively small compared to the levels found in other foods and the body's natural hormone production. It is important to clarify that there is no such thing as "hormone-free" beef, as hormones are naturally occurring and essential for the survival of the animal. However, consumers can look for labels such as "no added hormones administered" or "organic" to make informed choices if they prefer to avoid beef from animals treated with additional hormones.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, President Feta Cheese is suitable for vegetarians. It is made with pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, and enzymes.
President Feta Cheese is made with pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, and enzymes. It also contains cellulose powder to prevent caking and natamycin as a natural mold inhibitor.
No, President Feta Cheese is made with pure milk from cows that are never given artificial growth hormones.
No definitive statement can be made on whether President Feta Cheese is gluten-free. Some consumers who are gluten intolerant have reported reactions after consuming the product, while others have not.
Depending on your location, President Feta Cheese can be purchased from online grocery stores and major retailers' online stores. You can use the Product Locator on the President Cheese website to find a store near you.
