Patrick Oconnell
Kraft Heinz has been at the center of a lawsuit for using cellulose filler in its 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese product. The cellulose in Kraft Parmesan cheese is derived from wood pulp, and it is added as an anti-clumping agent to prevent the cheese from caking. While Kraft maintains that their product is within acceptable levels of cellulose, the lawsuit accuses the company of false advertising, as consumers expect 100% grated Parmesan cheese to contain only cheese. This incident is part of a broader issue of food safety and consumer fraud, with similar lawsuits being filed against other major Parmesan cheese producers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of cellulose in Kraft Parmesan Cheese | 3.8% |
| Percentage of cellulose in other brands | Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Jewel-Osco: 8.8% |
| Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Walmart: 7.8% | |
| Whole Foods 365: 0.3% | |
| Walmart: up to 9% | |
| Is cellulose safe to consume? | Yes, it is a natural ingredient found in fruits and vegetables. |
| Is it legal to add cellulose to cheese? | Yes, it is FDA-approved and recognized as a "safe additive". |
| However, there have been lawsuits against companies for false advertising and consumer deception. |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Parmesan cheese contains wood pulp
Kraft Parmesan cheese does contain wood pulp. Kraft Heinz is among several companies named in a lawsuit for using cellulose filler in its "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese" product. The cellulose filler is derived from wood pulp or plant fibres and is used to prevent clumping. Kraft Parmesan cheese was found to contain 3.8% cellulose, while other brands contained as much as 8.8%.
Although Kraft Parmesan cheese does contain wood pulp, it is important to note that cellulose is an FDA-approved ingredient. The FDA recognises cellulose as a "safe additive" and it is used throughout the food industry, including in good-quality grated cheeses. According to cheese expert Liz Thorpe, small stores that grate their own cheese will not add cellulose, so this may be a better option for consumers who wish to avoid it.
While cellulose is not dangerous, its presence in grated Parmesan cheese has sparked controversy over product labelling and what constitutes "pure" Parmesan. The companies named in the lawsuits claim they have done nothing wrong, as federal law states that grated cheese can be made with non-cheese ingredients. However, consumers argue that labelling a product as "100% grated Parmesan cheese" when it contains other ingredients is misleading.
The controversy over wood pulp in Kraft Parmesan cheese highlights the importance of transparency and accurate labelling in the food industry. While cellulose may be a harmless ingredient, consumers have a right to know what they are eating and to make informed choices about the products they purchase.
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Kraft Heinz faces lawsuits over false advertising
Kraft Heinz is facing lawsuits over false advertising regarding the company's "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese" product. The lawsuits allege that Kraft Heinz has engaged in consumer deception and violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act by including cellulose filler, derived from wood pulp, in its product. Similar lawsuits have been filed against other companies, including Walmart, and over 50 class-action lawsuits have been filed against Parmesan producers in the past.
Cellulose is a fiber derived from plant walls, including wood and apple pulp or corn cobs. It is a safe and FDA-approved additive, used as an anti-clumping agent in pre-grated cheese to extend its shelf life. While Kraft Heinz's product contained 3.8% cellulose, other brands had even higher levels, with Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Jewel-Osco containing 8.8% and Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Walmart containing 7.8%.
The controversy surrounding the use of cellulose in grated Parmesan cheese has sparked debates about product labeling and the definition of "pure" Parmesan. While federal law allows grated cheese to be made with non-cheese ingredients, consumers argue that labeling a product as "100% grated Parmesan cheese" when it contains other ingredients is misleading. In 2018, a judge dismissed the lawsuit, stating that consumers could check the ingredient list for cellulose. However, in late 2020, the verdict was overturned, and the full repercussions for the companies involved are still pending.
While the presence of cellulose in grated Parmesan cheese may be legal, the lawsuits against Kraft Heinz and other companies highlight the importance of accurate and transparent product labeling. Consumers have a right to know what they are purchasing and consuming, and companies must ensure that their labeling practices are clear and not deceptive. While the outcome of the lawsuits remains to be seen, the issue has brought attention to the use of fillers and additives in the food industry and the need for regulatory oversight to protect consumers.
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Kraft's wood pulp content is within legal limits
Kraft has been named in several lawsuits over the years, alleging that the company falsely advertised its "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese" product by including cellulose, a derivative of wood pulp, as a filler ingredient. However, Kraft's response to these lawsuits has been that their product is within acceptable levels of cellulose, as approved by the FDA.
Cellulose is a plant fiber that occurs naturally in the cell walls of plants, including wood and apple pulp, as well as corn cobs. It is a common food additive used in various products, including ice cream and cheese, to improve texture and extend shelf life. In the case of Kraft's grated Parmesan cheese, cellulose is added as an anti-clumping agent to prevent the cheese from caking and to ensure it flows freely.
While the presence of wood pulp in cheese may be off-putting to some consumers, food scientists and experts have stated that cellulose is generally recognized as a safe and harmless ingredient. Dean Sommer, a cheese technologist, and Amy Bentley, a professor in the department of nutrition, both affirm that cellulose is not dangerous and is likely safe for consumption.
In the United States, the use of cellulose in food products is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has recognized cellulose as a "safe additive" and has approved its use in pre-grated cheese at levels ranging from 2% to 4%. Kraft's grated Parmesan cheese was found to contain 3.8% cellulose, which falls within the acceptable range set by the FDA.
Therefore, despite the legal disputes surrounding the labeling and advertising of Kraft's "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese," the company maintains that the cellulose content in their product is within legal limits as defined by the FDA. The debate centers around the definition of "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese" and whether the inclusion of cellulose constitutes false advertising or consumer deception.
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Kraft's response to the lawsuits
Kraft has faced multiple lawsuits over its "100% Grated Parmesan Cheese" product, which was found to contain cellulose filler made from wood pulp. The company has responded to the lawsuits by stating that cellulose is FDA-approved and that their product is within acceptable levels of cellulose content. Michael Mullen, a spokesman for Kraft Heinz, emphasized the company's commitment to product quality and listening to consumers. He acknowledged that clumping is a common issue with grated Parmesan cheese and that cellulose is an FDA-approved anti-clumping agent.
In response to the specific lawsuits, Kraft has been named in class-action lawsuits filed in Illinois, New York, Missouri, and California. The lawsuits allege violations of consumer fraud and deceptive business practices laws. The plaintiffs claim that Kraft misrepresented its product as 100% Parmesan cheese when it contained at least 3.8% cellulose. This discrepancy was confirmed by independent laboratory tests.
The lawsuits against Kraft highlight a broader issue within the cheese industry. Cellulose fillers are commonly used in grated cheeses to extend shelf life and prevent clumping. While cellulose is considered safe and FDA-approved, its presence in products marketed as "100% cheese" is misleading to consumers. The lawsuits against Kraft and other cheese manufacturers aim to hold companies accountable for accurate labeling and transparency in their products.
As the legal proceedings unfold, consumers have expressed mixed reactions. Some have felt misled and disappointed by Kraft's practices, vowing to avoid their products. Others have expressed concern about the potential health implications of consuming wood pulp and questioned the integrity of the food industry. The outcome of the lawsuits will have significant implications for Kraft and the broader cheese industry, potentially leading to changes in labeling practices and increased scrutiny of ingredient lists.
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Kraft Parmesan cheese alternatives
Kraft's 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese is a product that has been the subject of controversy and lawsuits due to the presence of wood pulp (cellulose) in its composition. While cellulose is an FDA-approved anti-clumping agent, some consumers may prefer Parmesan cheese alternatives that do not contain this additive. Here are some options for Kraft Parmesan cheese alternatives:
- Whole Foods 365 Brand: While not entirely cellulose-free, this brand's grated Parmesan cheese was found to have a significantly lower amount of cellulose (0.3%) compared to Kraft and other brands.
- Sartori and BelGioioso: These Wisconsin-based companies are recommended by cheese expert Liz Thorpe as reputable producers of pre-grated Parmesan.
- Arthur Schuman, Inc.: Based in New Jersey, Arthur Schuman, Inc. is the largest importer of hard Italian cheeses, including pre-grated Parmesan.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano: If you want to ensure you are getting authentic Parmesan cheese, look for the words "Parmigiano-Reggiano" on the rind. This term is legally defined in the European Union to signify genuine Parmesan made according to Italian D.O.C. regulations. However, keep in mind that the taste may vary depending on the region where it is produced.
- Grate Your Own: Another option is to purchase a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself at home. This way, you can control the ingredients and avoid any unwanted additives. Look for reputable brands or local cheese shops that offer whole wheels of Parmesan.
When choosing a Parmesan cheese alternative, it is essential to consider your priorities regarding taste, convenience, and the presence of additives. Remember to read labels carefully and make informed decisions based on your preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kraft Parmesan cheese contains cellulose, which is derived from wood pulp.
Kraft Parmesan cheese contains 3.8% cellulose.
Wood pulp is added to Kraft Parmesan cheese as an anti-clumping agent.
Wood pulp, or cellulose, is generally recognised as a safe additive by the FDA and is found in many other foods.
Yes, consumers can buy a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it themselves, or look for pre-grated Parmesan from reputable brands like Sartori, BelGioioso, and Arthur Schuman, Inc.
