The Mystery Behind Shredded Cheese And Sawdust

There have been claims that shredded cheese contains sawdust, with several cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, and Albertsons, facing a lawsuit over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese. While these claims are not entirely false, they are also not a cause for concern. The confusion stems from the presence of cellulose, a common food additive, in shredded cheese. Cellulose is derived from plant fibres and is found in all plant material, including fruits and vegetables. While it is true that cellulose can be sourced from sawdust, it is not the same as consuming wood chips or sawdust, and it has been approved as a safe food additive by the FDA.

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Cellulose is a safe, FDA-approved food additive derived from plant sources, including wood

Several sources claim that shredded cheese contains sawdust. However, this claim is misleading. While it is true that shredded cheese contains cellulose, a common food additive, this is not the same as saying that it contains sawdust. Cellulose is, in fact, a safe, FDA-approved food additive that has been used since 1973. It is derived from plant sources, including wood, but also other plant materials such as waste flax, hemp, and wheat straw. All plant matter is composed of the same three major components: lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, in varying amounts depending on the plant.

Cellulose is the main component of a plant's cell wall, giving cells strength and rigidity. This means that cellulose is present in all fruits, vegetables, and plants that we consume. So, while it is true that cellulose can be derived from wood, it is not accurate to say that shredded cheese contains sawdust.

The confusion around this issue likely stems from the fact that some shredded cheese products are labelled as "100% cheese" even though they contain cellulose. This has led to lawsuits against several cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, SuperValu, and Icco Cheese. However, a judge dismissed the lawsuit in 2018, stating that consumers could simply check the ingredient list and see that cellulose is included.

While it is understandable that some people may be concerned about the presence of additives in their food, it is important to note that cellulose is a safe and common ingredient in many foods. In the case of shredded cheese, it is added to prevent the shreds from sticking together and to extend the product's shelf life. If consumers wish to avoid these additives, they can choose to grate their own cheese or look for products that do not contain cellulose.

Cellulose is added to shredded cheese to prevent caking and extend shelf life

There has been a lot of speculation about the presence of sawdust in shredded cheese, with some people expressing concern over the use of cellulose, an ingredient in many shredded cheese products. Cellulose is often derived from plant sources, including wood pulp or cotton lint, which leads to the association with sawdust. However, it is important to clarify that no one is grinding up wood chips or throwing logs into cheese. The presence of cellulose in shredded cheese serves a specific purpose and offers multiple benefits to consumers.

Firstly, cellulose is added to shredded cheese as an anti-caking agent. This means it prevents the cheese shreds from sticking together, ensuring that the product remains free-flowing and easy to use. This property not only enhances the consumer experience by maintaining the desired texture of the cheese but also extends the shelf life of the product by inhibiting clumping and moisture retention, which can lead to mould or yeast growth.

The addition of cellulose helps maintain the quality and freshness of shredded cheese over a longer period, reducing waste for both manufacturers and consumers. This is particularly beneficial for pre-shredded cheese, as it often has a smaller volume and surface area compared to block cheese, making it more susceptible to moisture-related issues. By adding cellulose, manufacturers can ensure that the product remains usable and safe for consumption until its intended shelf life.

While some consumers may prefer to avoid pre-shredded cheese containing cellulose, it is important to note that cellulose is not a harmful additive. It is a natural component found in plant cell walls and is present in many of the fruits and vegetables we consume daily. Additionally, cellulose has been an FDA-approved food additive since 1973, with experts stating that they are not aware of any health risks associated with its consumption.

Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, Supervalu, and Icco Cheese have been involved in lawsuits over their 100% grated Parmesan cheese

Several cheese companies, including Kraft Heinz, Walmart, Albertsons, Supervalu, and Icco Cheese, have been involved in lawsuits over allegedly false advertising of their "100% grated Parmesan cheese" products. The issue revolves around the inclusion of cellulose, an anti-clumping agent made from wood pulp, as an ingredient in these products. While the original labels listed cellulose as an ingredient, the front of the packaging claimed the product to be "100% Parmesan Cheese," which consumers argued was misleading.

The lawsuits allege that the companies engaged in "unlawful, deceptive, and misleading business practices" by including fillers in their products while advertising them as "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese." The original lawsuit was dismissed when it was found that cellulose was listed as an ingredient on the product labels. However, a federal district court later revived the lawsuit, citing the potentially misleading nature of the front labels.

In defence, the companies argued that the front label intended to communicate that the cheese in the container was entirely Parmesan, not that the sole contents of the container were cheese. Despite this defence, a federal appeals court ruled that it was unreasonable to expect consumers to rely on the fine print on the packaging, allowing the lawsuits to proceed.

The controversy surrounding the inclusion of cellulose in grated Parmesan cheese has sparked debates about the accuracy of food labeling and the potential for consumer deception. While a court initially ruled in 2018 that the labeling was legal, this decision was overturned in late 2020, leaving the repercussions for the cheese companies involved still pending.

It is important to note that the lawsuits do not allege that companies are grinding up wood chips and mixing them with the cheese. Cellulose is a common food additive derived from plant material, including sawdust, and is found in many fruits, vegetables, and plants that people regularly consume. The controversy centres around the labeling of the product as "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese" when it contains additional ingredients, which some consumers argue is misleading.

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Washing shredded cheese can remove additives, preservatives, and unwanted substances

Washing shredded cheese is a "kitchen hack" that has gained popularity on TikTok, with some creators swearing by this method to remove additives, preservatives, and other unwanted substances from pre-shredded cheese. This trend may seem unusual, but it is based on valid concerns about the additives and preservatives used in pre-shredded cheese products.

Pre-shredded cheese often contains anticaking agents, which are substances that prevent the individual strands of cheese from clumping together in the package. One of the most common anticaking agents is powdered cellulose, which can be derived from sawdust or cotton lint. While the idea of consuming sawdust may be off-putting, it's important to note that cellulose is a common component in plant cell walls and is present in many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed cellulose additives Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for consumption, even when derived from wood.

The act of washing the shredded cheese is intended to remove these additives and preservatives, with some people claiming that it results in a "murky" or "dirty" water left behind. However, it is worth noting that not everyone agrees with the necessity of this practice. Some experts claim that the risk of these additives is minimal, and the FDA has stated that there is no evidence that cellulose causes harm. Additionally, the process of washing cheese may remove some of the beneficial nutrients, such as protein and B vitamins, found in cheese.

While the safety of consuming cellulose may be supported by the FDA, there are other additives in pre-shredded cheese that have raised concerns. One such additive is natamycin, a preservative used to prevent mold and extend the shelf life of cheese. While the FDA and World Health Organization consider it safe, it has been banned by Whole Foods and placed on their "Unacceptable Ingredients for Food" list. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing debate about the safety and potential health impacts of various additives in our food.

In conclusion, washing shredded cheese is a practice that aims to address valid concerns about the additives and preservatives in pre-shredded cheese. While the removal of these substances may provide peace of mind for some consumers, it is important to weigh the benefits against the potential loss of nutrients and the time and effort required for the washing process. Ultimately, the decision to wash shredded cheese or not is a personal choice, and individuals should make informed decisions based on their own research and expert advice.

While cellulose is safe, the high levels of sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat in cheese can negatively impact health

Although cellulose is generally regarded as safe, the high levels of sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat in cheese can negatively impact health if consumed in excess. Cellulose is a common food additive derived from plant sources, including wood pulp or cotton lint, and is used in pre-shredded cheese to prevent clumping. While it has been approved by the FDA since 1973 and is present in many fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods, some consumers are concerned about its presence in cheese.

The issue of cellulose in cheese gained attention due to lawsuits against companies like Kraft Heinz, Walmart, and Albertsons, alleging that their 100% grated Parmesan cheese contained cellulose, and thus was not entirely cheese. While a judge initially dismissed the lawsuit, the verdict was later overturned, leading to ongoing repercussions for the involved companies.

The controversy surrounding cellulose in cheese has sparked debates about the accuracy of labeling practices. Some argue that marketing a product as 100% grated Parmesan cheese when it contains cellulose is misleading. However, others defend the practice by emphasizing the difference a single word can make in food law, such as grated or chocolatey.

While the presence of cellulose in cheese has been a cause for concern, it is important to recognize that the excessive consumption of cheese can have more significant health implications due to its high levels of sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat. These nutrients have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on consuming cheese in moderation rather than solely worrying about additives like cellulose.

In conclusion, while cellulose itself is safe, it is crucial to consider the overall nutritional profile of cheese and its potential impact on health. Moderation is key when it comes to cheese consumption, especially for those at risk of cardiovascular disease or weight management issues.

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