Frederic Melton
In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that certain brands of Parmesan cheese contained up to 8.8% cellulose, a type of plant fiber derived from wood pulp, despite being advertised as 100% cheese. This discovery sparked controversy and raised questions about product labeling and what constitutes pure Parmesan cheese. While some considered this deceptive or false advertising, others argued that cellulose is a safe and FDA-approved food additive that helps prevent clumping and extends shelf life. The debate centered around the use of the word “grated” on product labels, with federal law stating that grated cheese can include non-cheese ingredients. This incident brought attention to the challenges of ensuring accurate and transparent product labeling in the food industry and the potential for consumer deception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is sawdust in parmesan cheese? | Sawdust is not added to parmesan cheese. However, cellulose, a fiber derived from plant walls, is added to grated parmesan cheese as an anti-clumping agent. |
| Percentage of cellulose in parmesan cheese | According to tests, the percentage of cellulose in different brands of parmesan cheese varies: Essential Everyday (8.8%), Great Value (7.8%), Whole Foods (0.3%), and Kraft (3.8%). |
| Acceptable level of cellulose | According to a cheese expert and a cheese technologist, an acceptable level of cellulose in cheese is in the 2% to 4% range. |
| Safety of cellulose | Cellulose is generally considered safe to consume and is a common food additive. It is present in plant foods and has been approved by the FDA as a food additive since 1973. |
| Legal issues | Several cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, and Albertsons, have faced lawsuits over false advertising of their 100% grated parmesan cheese products due to the presence of cellulose and other non-cheese ingredients. |
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What You'll Learn
- Kraft's 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese contains 3.8% cellulose
- Sawdust is cellulose, a safe additive found in plants
- Kraft-Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons and others were involved in a lawsuit over false advertising
- Consumers can avoid cellulose by buying Parmesan wedges
- The FDA could step in but prioritises health risks
Kraft's 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese contains 3.8% cellulose
Kraft's 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese has been found to contain 3.8% cellulose, according to a Bloomberg report. This discovery has sparked controversy and raised questions about the accuracy of the product's labelling. While Kraft defended their product, stating that they are "committed to the quality of our products", other brands have taken a different approach.
Cellulose is a fibre derived from plant walls, including wood, apple pulp, and corn cobs. It is a common food additive that has been approved by the FDA since 1973. In the context of grated Parmesan cheese, cellulose is used as an anti-clumping agent to prevent the cheese from sticking together. While it is not harmful, its presence in significant amounts in a product marketed as "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese" has led to concerns about false advertising.
The controversy surrounding Kraft's 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese is not an isolated incident. In 2016, an executive at Castle Cheese was fined and sentenced to probation for selling grated Parmesan that contained cellulose and other cheese trimmings. Additionally, in 2018, several cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, faced lawsuits over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese products. The lawsuits alleged that the products were not entirely made of Parmesan cheese and contained cellulose filler.
The issue of cellulose in grated Parmesan cheese highlights the importance of accurate labelling and consumer awareness. While cellulose is not harmful, its presence in significant amounts in products marketed as "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese" can be misleading to consumers who expect the product to contain only cheese. This controversy has prompted discussions about the regulations surrounding food labelling and the use of additives.
To avoid cellulose in their Parmesan cheese, consumers can opt for wedges of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano sold in the cheese section. These cheeses are aged and do not contain any additives, providing a pure cheese experience. However, they are more expensive and require longer aging periods before being sold. Ultimately, the decision rests with the consumer, who can weigh their priorities and make an informed choice based on their preferences and values.
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Sawdust is cellulose, a safe additive found in plants
Sawdust is made of cellulose, which is a safe additive found in plants. It is a type of fibre that makes up the cell walls of plants, providing them with structure and strength. When you eat plant foods, you are consuming cellulose. It is found in tree bark, leaves, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and other plant foods.
Cellulose is also a common food additive and is generally recognised as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has been a safe, FDA-approved food additive since 1973. It is used in many food products, including ice cream, shredded cheese, and diet foods, to add thickness and creaminess without adding fat. It is also used as an anti-caking agent in shredded and grated cheeses, spice mixes, and powdered drink mixes.
In terms of Parmesan cheese, the controversy lies in the fact that some brands of grated Parmesan contain up to 8.8% cellulose, even if they are advertised as 100% cheese. This has led to lawsuits against cheese companies, but it is important to note that cellulose is listed as an ingredient on these products. While cellulose is a safe additive, it is recommended to get fibre from whole plant foods rather than additives or supplements, as they provide additional beneficial nutrients and compounds.
The inclusion of cellulose in grated Parmesan cheese is done to prevent clumping and improve the texture of the product. While it is safe to consume, it is important for consumers to be aware of the presence of cellulose and make informed decisions about their food choices.
In summary, sawdust is made of cellulose, which is a safe additive derived from plants. While it is commonly found in plant-based foods, it is also used as a food additive in various products, including grated Parmesan cheese.
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Kraft-Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons and others were involved in a lawsuit over false advertising
Kraft-Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, and other companies were involved in a lawsuit over false advertising of their "'100% Grated Parmesan Cheese' products. The lawsuit, filed by consumers, alleged that the companies were deceiving buyers as the products contained cellulose, a filler or anti-clumping agent made from wood chips or wood pulp. The cellulose content in these products ranged from 3.8% to 8.8%, as revealed by tests conducted by Bloomberg News and reported by various sources.
In response to the lawsuit, Kraft-Heinz maintained that their labeling was not misleading and that they were committed to the quality of their products. They also highlighted that cellulose is FDA-approved and that their cellulose levels were within acceptable limits. Walmart and Albertsons, on the other hand, were sued specifically over the high levels of cellulose in their grated Parmesan cheese, with Walmart's product containing 7.8% cellulose.
The controversy surrounding the presence of cellulose in grated Parmesan cheese sparked discussions about the deceptive nature of food labeling. Consumers felt cheated as they believed they were purchasing products that were 100% cheese, only to discover that a significant portion consisted of cellulose. However, it is important to note that cellulose is a safe and common food additive, found in various plant-based foods we consume daily.
The lawsuits against Kraft-Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, and others faced some setbacks. In 2017, a U.S. judge dismissed the lawsuits, stating that the "100% grated Parmesan cheese" label could be interpreted in different ways. The judge suggested that it could mean either 100% of the cheese was Parmesan or that the Parmesan cheese was 100% grated, rather than implying that the product contained only cheese. Additionally, in 2018, another federal court judge rejected the claim that the label meant the containers were made of nothing but real cheese.
While the lawsuit against Kraft-Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, and others sparked important conversations about food labeling and consumer trust, it also highlighted the complexity of interpreting product labels. As the lawsuit progressed, it became evident that the presence of cellulose in grated Parmesan cheese was not an isolated incident but a common practice within the industry.
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Consumers can avoid cellulose by buying Parmesan wedges
Several news outlets have reported that grated Parmesan cheese contains sawdust. However, this is not entirely accurate. While it is true that certain brands of Parmesan cheese contain up to 8.8% cellulose, which is derived from wood pulp, it is important to understand that cellulose is not the same as sawdust.
Cellulose is a natural fiber found in the cell walls of plants, including fruits and vegetables that we consume daily. It is a safe, FDA-approved food additive that has been used since 1973 and is not known to pose any health risks. In Parmesan cheese, cellulose is used as an anti-clumping agent to prevent the cheese from caking together.
The controversy surrounding grated Parmesan cheese stems from the product labeling. Some companies label their products as “100% grated Parmesan cheese” when, in reality, they contain non-cheese ingredients like cellulose and other fillers. This has led to lawsuits and accusations of false advertising. However, according to federal law, grated cheese can legally include non-cheese ingredients.
To avoid cellulose in your Parmesan cheese, consumers can opt for wedges of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano sold in the cheese section. These are aged cheeses that do not contain any additives or fillers. While they may be more expensive, you can be assured that you are getting a pure cheese product.
By purchasing Parmesan wedges, consumers can bypass the concerns surrounding cellulose and grated Parmesan cheese. It is worth noting that cellulose is not harmful, but for those who prefer their cheese without any additives, buying Parmesan wedges is the best option. This way, consumers can enjoy the authentic flavor and texture of Parmesan cheese without any added ingredients.
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The FDA could step in but prioritises health risks
The issue of sawdust in parmesan cheese is not a new one. In 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated Castle Cheese Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company, and found that their "100% real parmesan" was mixed with filler ingredients like wood pulp, as well as cheaper cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and mozzarella. This investigation led to Bloomberg's exposé on the scandalous world of grated cheese, where they tested several brands and found high percentages of cellulose, or wood pulp, in their products.
While the FDA could intervene in such matters, they generally prioritize health risks over non-health issues like woody cheese. This is because cellulose, the scientific name for wood pulp, is a safe, FDA-approved food additive since 1973. It is commonly found in plant foods we eat every day and is not known to pose any health risks. Sharon Palmer, RD, author of The Plant-Powered Diet, affirms this, stating that she is "not aware of any research that points to health risks related to cellulose in foods."
The controversy surrounding the use of cellulose in grated parmesan cheese is primarily due to false advertising and consumer fraud. Companies that label their products as "100% grated parmesan cheese" are misleading consumers, as the presence of cellulose means that the product is not entirely cheese. This has led to legal battles and class-action lawsuits accusing cheesemakers and grocers of false advertising.
However, it is important to note that cellulose is not just used as a filler. It serves a functional purpose as an anti-clumping agent, helping the cheese fall freely through the lid's holes. While some experts suggest that an acceptable level of cellulose in grated parmesan cheese is 2% to 4%, others argue that cheesemakers may be tempted to use more than necessary due to its similarity in appearance to grated cheese.
To avoid cellulose in your parmesan cheese, consumers are advised to purchase wedges of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano sold in the cheese section. These are aged cheeses that do not contain any additional ingredients. While they may be more expensive, they offer the assurance of being 100% cheese without the presence of cellulose or other fillers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, sawdust, or cellulose, is found in Parmesan cheese.
Yes, it is safe to consume sawdust, or cellulose. It has been an FDA-approved food additive since 1973 and is present in all plant foods.
Sawdust is added as an anti-clumping agent.
No, sawdust is only added to grated or shredded Parmesan cheese. Wedges of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano are 100% cheese.
Yes, it is legal to add sawdust to Parmesan cheese. However, there have been lawsuits against companies for false advertising when they sold products with front labels claiming "100% grated Parmesan cheese".
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