Sofia Martinez
There is a common misconception that cheese slices, particularly processed cheese slices, are made of plastic. While this is not true, plastic packaging used for cheese slices can contain hazardous chemicals that are absorbed by the cheese. These chemicals are drawn to substances with a high fat content, and can migrate from the plastic to the cheese at room temperature. Processed cheese is typically made from a blend of cheeses, emulsifying agents, and other additives, and is often wrapped in plastic packaging. This has led to the misconception that the cheese itself is made of plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in cheese slices | No, there is no plastic in cheese slices. However, individually wrapped cheese slices may have a high burden of chemical leaching due to the plastic wrap. |
| Plastic wrap and cheese | Plastic wrap is made of chemicals and fossil fuels. Chemicals from the plastic wrap may leach into the cheese, especially if the cheese has a high-fat content. |
| Alternatives | Cheese slices can be wrapped in paper, wax, foil, or waxed paper. |
| Processed cheese | Processed cheese is made from cheese mixed with an emulsifying agent and other additional ingredients. It is not plastic but tends to be higher in sodium. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic wrap for cheese exists but is a recent invention
Plastic wrap for cheese exists, but it is a recent invention compared to cheese itself, which has been around for over 7,000 years. Plastic wrap, on the other hand, has been used for less than 80 years.
While plastic wrap is commonly used to package cheese, it is not the best option for preserving this dairy product. Cheese has a high-fat content, and when it is wrapped in plastic, it can absorb hazardous chemicals from the plastic, a process known as "chemical migration." These chemicals can be harmful to human health, especially for children who tend to consume individually wrapped cheese slices in large quantities.
There are alternative wrapping options for cheese that are safer and more effective than plastic wrap. Hard and medium-soft cheeses, as well as individual slices, can be wrapped in paper, wax, foil, or waxed paper. Soft cheeses can be stored in glass, Pyrex, ceramic, or stainless steel containers. Parchment paper is also recommended as it helps regulate moisture and allows the cheese to breathe.
If you need to buy pre-sliced cheese, it is advisable to choose cheese that is sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper, or to look for brands that sell packages of sliced cheese with a square of paper between each slice. These alternatives to plastic-wrapped cheese have existed for a long time and can help reduce the potential health risks associated with consuming cheese packaged in plastic.
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Plastic wrap may cause chemical migration into cheese
There are four variables that influence how much and how quickly chemicals migrate out of the packaging and into the food. Firstly, the ratio of serving size to packaging (smaller-sized packaging has a larger surface-to-volume ratio). Secondly, the type of plastic used. Thirdly, the temperature at which the food is stored. And lastly, the duration of storage.
Researchers have identified approximately 16,000 chemicals used in the manufacture of plastic. Nearly half of these have never been tested for human safety. Of those that have been tested, 4,200 are considered "highly hazardous" to human health and the environment.
Cheese, with its high fat content, readily absorbs these migrating chemicals. Individually wrapped cheese slices, which have a high surface-to-volume ratio, are often consumed in large quantities by children and are likely to have an especially high burden of chemical leaching.
While plastic-wrapped cheese slices may be convenient, it is worth considering the potential health risks associated with chemical migration from the plastic packaging. Alternatives to plastic-wrapped cheese slices include cheese that is sliced at a deli and wrapped in paper, or packages of sliced cheese with a square of paper between each slice.
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Alternatives to plastic wrap for cheese
Plastic wrap is convenient, but it can be harmful to health and the environment. It is made from petroleum-based plastics such as polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and organ system toxicity. When heated or wrapped around warm food, these plastics can leach chemicals into your meal.
Cheese is a living organism composed of many microbes. To keep these microorganisms alive, it is essential to store cheese correctly. Plastic wrap can suffocate cheese, leaving it tasting stale and ruining its texture.
- Paper : Greaseproof paper, baking paper, or wax paper are excellent alternatives to plastic wrap. They allow cheese to breathe, preventing mould from forming. You can secure the paper with an elastic band and then place it in a container in the fridge.
- Cloth Wraps : Cloth wraps made from cotton fabric coated in beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil are breathable and reusable. They can be moulded around cheese with the warmth of your hands. However, they are not suitable for raw meat due to the risk of cross-contamination.
- Containers : Reusable plastic containers, such as Tupperware or Pyrex, can be used to store cheese without plastic wrap. Glass containers are also an option and allow you to see what food you have.
- Cheese Paper : Cheese paper, similar to butcher paper, is semipermeable and allows cheese to breathe, preventing mould from forming.
- Bioplastics : Bioplastics are plastic-like materials made from plants such as corn or soy. Cellophane, for example, is entirely biodegradable. However, it does not adhere well to surfaces, limiting its use as an alternative to plastic wrap.
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Processed cheese is not plastic but has additives
There is a common misconception that processed cheese is plastic. This is not true, but it does contain additives. Processed cheese is a product made from cheese mixed with an emulsifying agent, usually a calcium chelator. It was first developed in Switzerland in 1911 when Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler added sodium citrate to melted Emmentaler cheese. They found that the emulsified cheese sauce could be re-cooled into a solid again. This process was then replicated by Canadian-American businessman J.L. Kraft in 1916, who mixed a variety of cheeses with water to create a uniform product. Kraft used sodium monohydrogen phosphate as an emulsifier to ensure that the cheese would always taste the same and melt in a uniform fashion.
Processed cheese typically contains around 50-60% cheese and 40-50% other ingredients, such as vegetable oils, unfermented dairy ingredients, salt, food coloring, or sugar. These additives mean that some products made in this way cannot legally be labeled as cheese in many countries, even though similar products with a higher percentage of cheese can be. In the United States, the term "processed cheese" refers to products with the highest cheese content, while terms like "cheese food" or "cheese spread" refer to products with lower amounts of cheese.
The misconception that processed cheese is plastic may come from the fact that it has a longer shelf life, a more uniform consistency, and a higher prevalence than traditional cheeses. Some people also believe that processed cheese is unhealthy and is one molecule away from plastic. However, this is not accurate. Nutritionally, processed cheese is comparable to whatever cheese was used to make it, usually cheddar. It may be higher in sodium, but it does not contain plastic.
While processed cheese itself does not contain plastic, it is often packaged in plastic, which can expose consumers to harmful chemicals. Plastic is made of chemicals and fossil fuels, and these chemicals can migrate from the plastic into the cheese, especially at room temperature. This process is called "chemical migration," and it can occur even when the cheese is stored at room temperature. Individually wrapped cheese slices have a high surface-to-volume ratio, which means they are likely to have an especially high burden of chemical leaching. Therefore, it is recommended to buy pre-sliced cheese that is wrapped in paper or to choose packages of sliced cheese with a square of paper between each slice.
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American cheese is a type of processed cheese
There is a common misconception that American cheese is made of plastic. However, this is not true. American cheese is a type of processed cheese, which means that it is made from a combination of different cheeses and other ingredients. According to the Standards of Identity for Dairy Products in the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), American cheese is required to be manufactured from cheddar cheese, Colby cheese, washed curd cheese, or granular cheese, or any mixture of these. It can also include other ingredients such as emulsifying agents, salt, colouring, acidifying agents, and dairy fat sources.
The term "processed cheese" refers to the fact that American cheese is made by blending different cheeses and other ingredients to alter its texture and flavour. This process was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc., who obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916. The term "American cheese" quickly became associated with this processed variety, which was cheaper to produce than traditional cheddar.
American cheese is typically sold in individually wrapped slices, unwrapped slices in stacks, or unsliced blocks. It has a soft texture and a neutral flavour, making it a popular choice for sandwiches and grilled cheese. It is also known for its smooth and meltable texture, which makes it a common ingredient in dishes such as macaroni and cheese, omelets, and cheeseburgers.
While American cheese is not made of plastic, it is important to note that cheese packaged in plastic may be exposed to harmful chemicals. These chemicals can migrate from the plastic to the cheese, especially in dairy products with high-fat content. This process, known as "chemical migration," can occur even at room temperature. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase cheese that is wrapped in paper or stored in glass or stainless steel, rather than plastic, to avoid potential health risks.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is no plastic in cheese slices. However, plastic wrap used to package cheese slices may contain hazardous plasticizers that can be absorbed by the cheese.
Processed cheese slices have a long shelf life, a uniform consistency, and a smooth melt, which may be characteristics that people associate with plastic.
Processed cheese is made from a blend of cheeses, most often Colby and cheddar, mixed with an emulsifying agent and other ingredients such as vegetable oils, unfermented dairy products, salt, food coloring, or sugar.
Yes, there are alternatives to plastic-wrapped cheese slices. Cheese slices can be wrapped in paper, wax, foil, or waxed paper.
