Alexei Volkov
Plastic packaging is commonly used to wrap cheese, and it has been suggested that this plastic packaging may be harmful to human health. Plastic is made from chemicals and fossil fuels, and these chemicals can migrate from the plastic to the cheese, especially at higher temperatures. This process is called chemical migration. Some chemicals used in plastic packaging are considered highly hazardous to human health, and can be carcinogenic or endocrine disruptors. This is particularly concerning for cheese due to its high fat content, which readily absorbs these chemicals. Individually wrapped cheese slices have a high surface-to-volume ratio, increasing the likelihood of chemical leaching. However, it is important to note that not all plastic packaging contains harmful chemicals, and alternatives such as foil or buying cheese from local farmers' markets can also be considered.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) |
| Plastic composition | Chemicals, fossil fuels, and polymers |
| Plastic properties | Stable but not inert, impermeable to water, extremely durable |
| Plastic hazards | Chemical migration, contains carcinogens and endocrine disruptors |
| Plastic alternatives | Foil, wax coating, naked cheese |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic wrap around cheese is cut and folded around the cheese, with the cheese sometimes getting stuck in the fold
- Plasticizers in plastic are drawn to and absorbed by fatty substances, like cheese
- Chemicals in plastic migrate into cheese, especially at smaller serving sizes
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic wrap is known to leach vinyl chloride, a carcinogen, into food
- American cheese is referred to as plastic cheese due to its texture and processing, but it does not contain plastic
Plastic wrap around cheese is cut and folded around the cheese, with the cheese sometimes getting stuck in the fold
Cheese is a dairy product with a high fat content, which makes it susceptible to absorbing chemicals from the plastic wrap. This process is called "chemical migration" and can occur even at room temperature. Researchers have identified thousands of chemicals used in the manufacture of plastic, many of which have not been tested for human safety. Some of these chemicals are known to be highly hazardous to human health and the environment.
The type of plastic commonly used to wrap cheese is low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), both of which contain carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. Studies have shown that chemicals like benzophenone can migrate from the plastic wrap into soft, semi-hard, and hard cheese at various temperatures. Benzophenone is linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and organ system toxicity.
The crimped edges on individually wrapped cheese slices are where the plastic is folded around the cheese. Sometimes, a thin strip of cheese can be found stuck in the fold, appearing as a ridge on the side of the slice. While this cheese residue may be unappetizing to some, it is important to note that it is not plastic, but rather a result of the packaging process.
To avoid the potential health risks associated with plastic-wrapped cheese, consumers can explore alternative options such as purchasing cheese from local farmers' markets or opting for aged cheeses without plastic packaging. By being mindful of the potential dangers of chemical migration, individuals can make informed choices about the food they consume and reduce their exposure to harmful substances.
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Plasticizers in plastic are drawn to and absorbed by fatty substances, like cheese
Plasticizers are substances that are added to plastics to increase their flexibility, workability, and distensibility. They are often used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is commonly used in food packaging, including for cheese.
PVC is known to leach carcinogens, such as vinyl chloride and DEHA, into food products. Studies have shown that the chemical benzophenone, which is linked to cancer and hormone disruption, can migrate from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) packaging into cheese at a range of temperatures.
Cheese and other dairy products have a high fat content, which makes them particularly susceptible to absorbing migrating chemicals from plastic packaging. This process, known as "chemical migration," occurs constantly, even at room temperature. Lipophilic plasticizers are drawn to and readily absorbed by substances high in lipids, or fat, such as cheese.
The high levels of DEHA found in cheese are concerning, as cheese is a food that is consumed in large quantities, especially by children. Individually wrapped cheese slices have a high surface-to-volume ratio, increasing the potential for chemical leaching.
With over 16,000 chemicals used in plastic manufacturing and nearly half untested for human safety, the potential health risks of consuming cheese packaged in plastic are significant.
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Chemicals in plastic migrate into cheese, especially at smaller serving sizes
Plastic wrap is made from chemicals and fossil fuels. While plastic is stable, it is not inert, meaning that when it is used to package food, the chemicals in the plastic may leach into what we eat. This process, known as "chemical migration", occurs constantly, even at room temperature.
One factor that influences how much and how quickly chemicals migrate out of packaging and into food is the ratio of serving size to packaging. Smaller-sized packaging has a larger surface-to-volume ratio, increasing the likelihood of chemical migration. This is particularly concerning for individually wrapped cheese slices, which are often consumed in large quantities by children.
Hazardous plasticizers are lipophilic, meaning they are attracted to and readily absorbed by substances that are high in lipids, or fat. Cheese and other dairy products have a high fat content, making them susceptible to absorbing migrating chemicals. Studies have found that certain chemicals in plastic packaging, such as benzophenone in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and vinyl chloride in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), migrate into soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses across a range of temperatures. Benzophenone is linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and organ system toxicity, while vinyl chloride is a known carcinogen.
In addition to the health risks posed by chemical migration, the use of plastic packaging for cheese also contributes to waste and environmental harm, particularly when non-recyclable and non-biodegradable materials are used. To reduce their environmental impact, consumers can opt for block cheese and store it in eco-friendly materials like glass or reusable silicone wraps.
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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic wrap is known to leach vinyl chloride, a carcinogen, into food
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a plastic that contains toxic chemicals, including vinyl chloride and DEHA, which are known to migrate from the plastic onto food items. This process is called "chemical migration" and occurs constantly, even at room temperature. Cheese, in particular, is susceptible to absorbing these chemicals due to its high fat content. Individually wrapped cheese slices have a high surface-to-volume ratio, increasing the likelihood of chemical leaching.
PVC is commonly used in food packaging, including cheese wrapping, and has been documented to leach vinyl chloride into food products. Vinyl chloride is a toxic chemical used to make PVC plastic. There is no safe level of exposure to vinyl chloride, as it is a known carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer considers it a Group 1 carcinogen, linked to liver cancer, lymphoma, leukaemia, and cancers of the brain and lungs.
The health risks associated with vinyl chloride exposure are not limited to cancer. Pregnant women exposed to vinyl chloride may face an increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects. Additionally, exposure can lead to immediate symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and difficulty breathing, and severe exposure can even be fatal. The toxicity of vinyl chloride was first discovered in the 1970s when workers in production facilities developed angiosarcoma, a rare form of liver cancer.
DEHA, another chemical present in PVC, is also a likely endocrine disruptor and carcinogen. The migration of DEHA from PVC wrap into cheeses has been observed in multiple studies and countries. The high levels of DEHA found in cheese are particularly concerning given that cheese is widely consumed, especially by children.
The use of PVC in food packaging raises serious health concerns due to the potential for vinyl chloride and DEHA to leach into food products, especially those with high fat content like cheese. The carcinogenic and toxic effects of these chemicals pose significant risks to human health, highlighting the importance of considering safer alternatives to PVC in food packaging.
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American cheese is referred to as plastic cheese due to its texture and processing, but it does not contain plastic
It is a common misconception that American cheese is referred to as plastic cheese because it contains plastic. In reality, the term "plastic cheese" is used to describe the texture and processing of American cheese, which make it easily mouldable and meltable.
American cheese is a processed cheese product made by blending real cheese with texture- and flavour-altering ingredients. The FDA defines these processed cheese products as a "homogeneous plastic mass", leading some to believe that American cheese contains plastic. However, the word "plastic" in this context simply means something that is "easily shaped or moulded". In fact, by this definition, most cheeses could be considered plastic.
The misconception that American cheese is made of plastic may also arise from the way it is packaged. Some individually wrapped cheese slices are sealed within thin sheets of plastic. The cheese is spread over the plastic, which is then folded over and sealed, creating a slice of cheese encased in plastic packaging. This process can give the cheese a plastic-like texture, especially when melted.
Additionally, the high fat content of cheese makes it susceptible to absorbing chemicals from plastic packaging, a process known as "chemical migration". This further contributes to the perception that American cheese is plastic-like, as it can take on the characteristics of the plastic it is wrapped in.
While American cheese may not literally contain plastic, the term "plastic cheese" is used to describe its unique texture and processing, which set it apart from more traditional, natural cheeses. Real American cheese is also available in blocks, similar to other cheeses, which can be sliced and melted in the same way as plastic-wrapped slices.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic around your cheese is a wrapper to keep it fresh. Two plastics commonly used to wrap cheese are low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Cheese is wrapped in plastic to maintain its freshness. However, it is possible to buy cheese without plastic packaging, such as aged cheeses or those sold at local farmers' markets.
Yes, chemicals can migrate from plastic to cheese, especially dairy products. This process is called "chemical migration" and occurs even at room temperature. These chemicals may be hazardous to human health, with some linked to cancer and hormone disruption.
Alternatives to plastic-wrapped cheese include purchasing cheese from local farmers' markets or buying aged cheeses without packaging. You can also try using foil around cheese to keep it fresh.
Plastic-wrapped cheese can contribute to single-use plastic pollution. Additionally, the chemicals used in plastic manufacturing can be harmful to the environment.
