Omar Khalid
There is a common misconception that cheese, especially processed cheese, is made of plastic. While this is not true, some cheeses are packaged in plastic, which may expose consumers to harmful chemicals. This is because cheese has a high fat content and readily absorbs migrating chemicals from plastic, such as carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in cheese | Plasticizers, such as LDPE and PVC, are used in plastic cheese packaging and can migrate into the cheese. |
| Health concerns | Exposure to hazardous chemicals, carcinogens, neurotoxins, and hormone disruptors. |
| Alternatives | Cheese sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper, or packages of sliced cheese with paper between slices. Hard and medium-soft cheeses can be wrapped in paper, wax, foil, or waxed paper. Soft cheeses can be stored in glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. |
| Processed cheese | Contains additives, emulsifiers, and preservatives, giving it a longer shelf life, uniform look, and better meltability than natural cheese. |
| Natural cheese | Can be permanently deformed by melting and cooling, making it technically more plastic-like than processed cheese. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic-wrapped cheese may expose you to harmful chemicals
Two plastics commonly used to wrap cheeses include low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), both of which contain carcinogens and endocrine disruptors that have been observed to migrate into cheese. In particular, the chemical benzophenone migrated into soft, semi-hard, and hard cheese at every temperature tested, ranging from 25 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (Katsara 2021, Maia 2016). PVC is also known to leach the carcinogen vinyl chloride and the likely endocrine disruptor and carcinogen DEHA into food. High levels of DEHA found in cheese are especially concerning given that cheese is consumed in large quantities by children.
To avoid exposure to these harmful chemicals, there are several alternatives to plastic-wrapped cheese. If you need to buy pre-sliced cheese, consider switching to cheese that is sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper. Many brands also sell packages of sliced cheese with a square of paper between each slice. Hard cheeses, medium-soft cheeses, and individual slices can be wrapped in paper, wax, foil, or waxed paper. Soft cheeses can be stored in glass, Pyrex, ceramic, or stainless steel.
While it is true that cheese is a processed food, this does not mean that it is made of plastic. Processed cheese has several advantages over natural cheese, including a longer shelf life, resistance to separating when cooked (meltability), and a uniform look and physical behaviour. Processed cheese is made with the goal of being meltable without the fat separating from the protein. This is achieved by adding a calcium-sequestering agent, often called an "emulsifier", to stop calcium from holding the casein network together, allowing the fat to mix in more effectively. While some people may dislike processed cheese, it is important to note that all cheese is processed milk, and that the term "processed cheese" refers to products with the highest cheese content.
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Plasticizers in plastic are readily absorbed by cheese
Plasticizers are chemicals used to make plastic more flexible and durable. Plasticizers in plastic are readily absorbed by cheese due to the lipophilic nature of the plasticizers, which makes them drawn to and easily absorbed by substances with a high fat content. Cheese, being a dairy product with high fat content, readily absorbs migrating chemicals from plastic packaging.
The migration of chemicals from plastic to cheese, known as "chemical migration," is a constant process that occurs even at room temperature. Two commonly used plastics for wrapping cheese are low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), both of which contain carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. Studies have shown that the chemical benzophenone migrated from LDPE packaging into cheese at various temperatures, ranging from 25 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
PVC, in particular, has been found to leach the carcinogen vinyl chloride and the plasticizer DEHA into cheese. DEHA is a likely endocrine disruptor and carcinogen, and its migration from PVC wrap into cheeses has been documented in multiple studies and countries. The high levels of DEHA found in cheese are concerning, especially given the high consumption of cheese, especially by children.
To reduce exposure to plasticizers and other chemicals, consumers can opt for cheese sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper or paper-separated packages. Hard, medium-soft, and individual slices of cheese can also be wrapped in paper, wax, foil, or waxed paper. Soft cheeses can be stored in glass, Pyrex, ceramic, or stainless steel containers to minimize contact with plastic.
While plasticizers in plastic can readily be absorbed by cheese, it is important to note that there are alternatives and precautions that consumers can take to reduce their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
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Alternatives to plastic-wrapped cheese
Plastic-wrapped cheese may expose consumers to harmful chemicals. Plastic is made of chemicals and fossil fuels, and while it is stable, it is not inert. This means that when it is used to package food, the chemicals it contains may leach into what we eat—especially dairy products. This process is called "chemical migration" and occurs constantly, even at room temperature.
To avoid this, there are several alternatives to plastic-wrapped cheese. Firstly, if you need to buy pre-sliced cheese, consider switching from plastic-wrapped individual slices to cheese that is sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper. Many brands also sell packages of sliced cheese with a square of paper between each slice.
Secondly, different types of cheese can be wrapped in different materials. Hard, medium-soft, and individual slices can be wrapped in paper, wax, foil, or waxed paper. Soft cheeses can be stored in glass, Pyrex, ceramic, or stainless steel.
Thirdly, when storing cheese, it is important to allow a little airflow so that the microorganisms in the cheese can stay alive. This means that cheese should not be wrapped in plastic, as this can kill the good microorganisms. Instead, cheese can be wrapped in paper, wax, or foil, or stored in glass or ceramic containers.
Lastly, if you are buying cheese from a store, you can ask the cheese counter to wrap your cheese in parchment paper instead of plastic. This way, you can avoid contributing to the use of single-use plastic.
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American cheese is just plastic
It is a common misconception that American cheese is plastic. While it is true that American cheese is highly processed, it is not made of plastic. The confusion likely arises from the use of the word "plastic" in the FDA's definition of processed cheese, which refers to a substance that is "easily shaped or moulded". This definition can be applied to most cheeses, as they are all processed milk products that can be moulded into shape.
American cheese is a blend of real cheese, milk, butter, emulsifiers, and preservatives. It is known for its meltability and goo factor, making it a popular choice for cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and tuna melts. While some people enjoy the taste of American cheese, others find it unappealing and view it as a low-quality, highly processed alternative to traditional cheese.
The concern about American cheese being plastic may also be related to the packaging. Cheese is often packaged in plastic, and hazardous chemicals from the plastic can be absorbed by the cheese, especially if it is individually wrapped due to the high surface-to-volume ratio. Chemicals like benzophenone, DEHA, and vinyl chloride have been found to migrate from plastic packaging into cheese, raising concerns about potential health risks.
To avoid exposure to these chemicals, consumers can opt for cheese sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper or packaged with paper between slices. Soft cheeses can be stored in glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers, while hard and medium-soft cheeses can be wrapped in paper, wax, or foil.
In conclusion, while American cheese may be criticised for being highly processed and artificial, it is not literally made of plastic. However, the plastic packaging used for cheese can pose health risks due to the migration of harmful chemicals, and consumers are advised to choose alternative packaging options when possible.
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Processed cheese is not strictly solid at room temperature
There is a common misconception that processed cheese is "plastic". This claim is often accompanied by videos showing that processed cheese does not melt when exposed to an open flame, supposedly proving that it is not real cheese. However, this is not the case. Processed cheese is not strictly solid at room temperature, and therefore, it will not exhibit a clear change from solid to liquid when heated, regardless of the heat source.
Processed cheese has several advantages over natural cheese, including a longer shelf life, resistance to separating when cooked (meltability), and a uniform look and behaviour, making it a popular choice for various dishes. It is made with the goal of being meltable without the fat separating from the protein. To achieve this, a calcium-sequestering agent, often called an "emulsifier", is added to prevent calcium from holding the casein network together. This results in smaller groups of linked casein molecules that can better mix with the fat when melted, forming microscopic droplets instead of large lumps.
The term "processed cheese" typically refers to products with a high cheese content, made from cheese, up to 5% milk fat, and other allowed additives. These additives can include emulsifying salts, acidifying agents, water, salt, artificial colours, spices, enzyme-modified cheese, and more. The final solid form must have less than 44% moisture and a fat content greater than 23%. While these additives provide technical advantages, they also contribute to the perception that processed cheese is unnatural or unhealthy.
The claim that processed cheese is "one molecule away from plastic" is not accurate. While it is true that heating affects the structure of cheese, with the fat becoming softer and proteins gaining fluidity, it does not transform into plastic. The perception of processed cheese as unnatural may stem from its impermeability to water, extreme durability, and differences from traditional materials like wood, metal, ceramics, and fibres.
To address health concerns, consumers can opt for cheese sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper or paper-wrapped packages of sliced cheese. Hard and medium-soft cheeses can also be wrapped in wax, foil, or waxed paper. Additionally, consumers can choose storage options like glass, Pyrex, ceramic, or stainless steel for soft cheeses. These alternatives reduce the potential exposure to harmful chemicals from plastic packaging, which can contain carcinogens and endocrine disruptors that migrate into the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural cheese can be permanently deformed by melting and cooling, making it technically more plastic than processed cheese. Processed cheese is often accused of being plastic, but it is not. It is, however, highly processed and contains many additives, including emulsifying salts, acidifying agents, water, salt, artificial color, spices, flavorings, and enzyme-modified cheese.
Processed cheese, margarine, and processed meats are often referred to as "one molecule away from plastic." Cheez Whiz, a cheese product, is also frequently accused of being plastic.
Plastic-wrapped cheese may expose you to harmful chemicals. PVC, a common material used to wrap cheese, is known to leach the carcinogen vinyl chloride into food. It also contains DEHA, a likely endocrine disruptor and carcinogen.
If you need to buy pre-sliced cheese, consider purchasing cheese that is sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper. Hard, medium-soft, and individual slices of cheese can be wrapped in paper, wax, foil, or waxed paper. Soft cheeses can be stored in glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers.
