Patrick Oconnell
Sargento® Foods Incorporated manufactures and sells a variety of cheese products, including extra sharp cheddar cheese. While the company emphasizes the high quality and flavor of its products, some consumers have expressed negative opinions about the taste and texture of Sargento cheese, including the extra sharp cheddar variety. Concerns have been raised about the potential presence of chemicals or preservatives, and some have questioned whether the cheese is prone to contamination. Sargento did recall select products in February 2017, but there are no ongoing recalls, and the company follows strict procedures to ensure food safety, including testing milk for antibiotics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Contaminated | No evidence of contamination found |
| Recalled | Sargento recalled select products in February 2017, but there is no ongoing recall |
| Ingredients | Cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a plant-derived color) |
| Nut Content | Nut-free |
| Antibiotics | Milk from cows treated with antibiotics is disposed of and not used |
| Taste | Some users report an unpleasant taste and texture |
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What You'll Learn
Sargento's recall of select products in 2017
Sargento Foods Inc. recalled select cheese products in February 2017 due to possible bacterial contamination. The recall was a result of a notification from Deutsch Kase Haus, LLC of Middlebury, Indiana, which supplied Sargento with Longhorn Colby cheese that may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses were reported.
The affected products included 6.84-ounce packages of Sargento Ultra Thin Sliced Longhorn Colby with sell-by dates of April 12 and May 10, 2017, and 8-ounce packages of Sargento Chef Blends Shredded Nacho & Taco Cheese with sell-by dates of June 14 and July 12, 2017. These products were packaged at the Sargento plant in Plymouth, Wisconsin, and distributed nationwide.
In addition to the recalled Sargento products, there were also recalls of Amish Classic and Meijer brand cheeses, as well as other dairy products such as the Ultimate Amish Sampler Box, stuffed mushrooms, and fruit and cheese snack packs. The source of the contamination was traced back to Deutsch Käse Haus, a cheese shop and dairy facility in Indiana, which was responsible for processing a large amount of milk daily and producing various types of cheese.
The FDA affirmed that the 2017 Sargento recall is closed, and there are no ongoing recalls on Sargento-branded products as of 2020. However, there was another Sargento cheese recall in March 2024 due to listeria concerns, impacting 15 states. This recall was prompted by Rizo-López Foods Inc., a supplier to Sargento, recalling its dairy products due to a decadelong outbreak of listeria food poisoning that caused illnesses and deaths.
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Sargento's use of non-animal and animal rennet
Sargento's approach to this is worth noting. Most of their natural cheeses are made with non-animal rennet, which accommodates vegetarians and others who prefer to avoid animal-based products. This aligns with the company's commitment to providing high-quality, versatile cheese options that cater to diverse consumer needs and preferences.
However, it's important to recognize that Sargento also offers some cheeses that may contain animal enzymes. These are typically traditional Italian cheese styles, including Romano, Provolone, Asiago, and Fontina. These varieties are commonly found in their Italian blends, sliced Provolone, grated Parmesan, and Romano products. Additionally, animal rennet may be present in Blue and Feta cheese types.
For consumers who wish to avoid animal-based products, Sargento's transparency about their use of non-animal and animal rennet is valuable. It allows them to make informed choices about the cheese products they purchase and consume. By offering a range of options, Sargento ensures that consumers with varying dietary preferences can still enjoy their favourite cheeses.
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Sargento cheese's texture and taste
Sargento's cheese products are marketed as being made from 100% real, natural cheese. The company has been in the cheese business since 1953 and has built trust in its brand through high-quality products. Sargento's sliced and shredded cheese products are made from natural ingredients like cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto, a plant-derived colour.
The company's Sharp Cheddar Cheese is described as having a rich, full-bodied taste that can enhance the flavour of sandwiches, omelettes, and soups. It is also versatile enough to be used in recipes for apple pie and grilled cheese. Sargento's cheese products are said to have a distinct taste that sets them apart from other brands.
However, some consumers have expressed negative opinions about the taste and texture of Sargento's cheese products. Some have described the taste as "disgusting" and "gross," while others have mentioned a strange aftertaste. There have also been challenges with melting certain varieties of Sargento's cheese, such as the Muenster cheese, which may indicate a difference in texture compared to other brands.
Despite these criticisms, Sargento maintains its commitment to providing high-quality, natural cheese products. The company has partnered with well-known brands like McCormick, Cholula, and Frank's RedHot to bring unique flavours to its cheese offerings. Sargento also emphasizes the importance of milk fat in the texture and flavour of its cheese, acknowledging that reduced-fat cheese can result in changes to the flavour and texture of dairy products.
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Sargento's use of antibiotics in dairy production
Sargento has been accused of misleading consumers with its "no antibiotics" labels on cheese products. Two lawsuits filed against Sargento Foods in December 2020 and January 2021 assert that these labels mislead consumers into thinking that the cows that produced the milk used in the cheeses are never treated with antibiotics.
Sargento, however, does use antibiotics in dairy production. According to their FAQ page, antibiotics are used routinely in dairy production for farmers and veterinarians to treat cows for a variety of reasons. These reasons include the prevention and treatment of common diseases, such as mastitis, respiratory and foot infections, and infectious foot disease. Milk from a cow being treated with antibiotics must be separated from other cows' milk and disposed of. Only after the antibiotics have cleared the cow's system is her milk allowed to be sold.
To ensure that antibiotic residues do not enter the milk supply, every tanker of milk is tested for commonly used antibiotics. If any of these tested-for antibiotic residues are detected, the milk is not used. Sargento states that they are confident in the effectiveness of this testing procedure.
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Sargento's packaging and pricing
Sargento is a family-owned company that has been in operation since 1953. It is currently led by Louie Gentine and Mike McEvoy, Sargento third-generation family owners. The company is headquartered in Plymouth, Wisconsin, where it has corporate offices, manufacturing, and trucking operations. Sargento has always been dedicated to innovation, particularly in its packaging and unique varieties.
Sargento's packaging is designed with stringent quality standards to communicate the premium quality of the product inside. The company uses a team-oriented approach, with experts from various fields, including R&D, engineering, marketing, and logistics, contributing to the packaging development process. They also prioritize sustainability in their packaging, aiming to improve efficiencies, reduce rejects, and minimize the amount of packaging needed to protect their products. For example, they have utilized films that seal with less heat, cases that close with less glue, and modified equipment that cools with recycled water.
Sargento's cheese products are packaged using the Easy-close FreshLock® packaging technology, which helps keep the cheese fresh for longer. The packaging recommends using the cheese within five days of opening for maximum freshness.
Sargento offers a range of cheese products, including shredded, sliced, and block cheeses, as well as refrigerated natural cheese snacks like cheese sticks. Their shredded cheese is available in an 8-oz package, containing 2 cups of shredded cheese. Similarly, their sliced cheese comes in an 8 oz package with 11 slices. Sargento's pricing information is not readily available, but their products can be found in retail stores, and their website provides a product locator to find specific Sargento products near you.
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Frequently asked questions
Sargento has not released any information about contaminated batches of their Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese. However, they did recall select products in February 2017, which the FDA affirmed was closed.
Sargento Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto, a plant-derived colour.
While most of the lactose in milk is removed during the cheese-making process, Sargento cannot provide medical advice on this. However, some people who are lactose intolerant can eat hard, aged cheeses, such as cheddar.
Sargento Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese should be used within five days of opening and should be stored in its FreshLock® packaging to keep it fresh for longer.
Sargento Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is described as bold, rich, tangy, and buttery. However, some people have criticised the taste, calling it "gross" and "full of chemicals".
