Fact Check: American cheese is made with plastic

Is American Cheese Made with Plastic?

The claim that "American cheese is made with plastic" suggests that this popular processed cheese product contains materials not typically associated with food. This assertion raises questions about the ingredients and manufacturing processes involved in creating American cheese, which is widely consumed in various dishes across the United States.

What We Know

American cheese is classified as a processed cheese product. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is made by blending real cheese (such as cheddar and Colby) with emulsifiers and other ingredients to achieve a smooth texture and improved melting properties 14.

The primary ingredients in American cheese typically include:

• Cheddar cheese
• Colby cheese
• Emulsifying agents (like sodium citrate)
• Additional ingredients such as salt, preservatives, and sometimes colorings 268.

The term "processed cheese" refers to the method of production, which involves melting and mixing these ingredients, rather than indicating the presence of non-food substances like plastic 45.

Analysis

Evaluating the Claim

1. Source Credibility: The sources cited provide a mix of scientific explanations, historical context, and nutritional information about American cheese. For example, Healthline, a health-focused website, offers a comprehensive overview of American cheese's ingredients and nutritional value, making it a reliable source for understanding its composition 2. Conversely, Wikipedia, while informative, may not always be the most reliable due to its open-editing nature, which can introduce bias or inaccuracies 1.

2. Ingredient Misunderstanding: The claim may stem from a misunderstanding of the term "processed." While American cheese does contain emulsifiers and stabilizers, these are common in many processed foods and are not equivalent to plastic. Sodium citrate, for example, is a food additive that helps maintain texture and is not harmful when consumed in moderation 68.

3. Potential for Misleading Information: Some sources may exaggerate or misinterpret the role of certain ingredients. For instance, while sodium citrate is used in the production of American cheese, it is not a plastic but rather a salt of citric acid, which is safe for consumption 610.

4. Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, particularly those affiliated with cheese manufacturers, may present information that favors their products or downplays negative perceptions of processed cheese. For example, Boar's Head, a well-known cheese brand, emphasizes the quality of its American cheese without addressing potential concerns about processed ingredients 9.

Methodology and Evidence

The methodology behind the production of American cheese involves melting and blending real cheeses with various additives. This process is regulated by the FDA, which sets standards for what can be labeled as American cheese. However, the lack of transparency about specific formulations from different brands can lead to confusion among consumers regarding what is actually in the product 45.

Additional Information Needed

To further clarify the claim, it would be beneficial to have:

• Detailed ingredient lists from various brands of American cheese to compare formulations.
• Scientific studies examining the safety and health implications of the emulsifiers and additives used in processed cheeses.
• Consumer surveys or expert opinions on public perceptions of American cheese and its ingredients.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that American cheese is made with plastic is false. Evidence indicates that American cheese is primarily composed of real cheeses, such as cheddar and Colby, along with emulsifiers and other food-safe ingredients. The misunderstanding likely arises from the term "processed," which does not imply the inclusion of non-food substances like plastic.

While the production of American cheese involves additives that some may find concerning, these ingredients are commonly used in many processed foods and are generally recognized as safe by regulatory authorities. It is important to note that while the FDA regulates the labeling and production of American cheese, variations in formulations across brands can lead to confusion among consumers.

However, the available evidence does have limitations. There is a lack of comprehensive ingredient transparency across all brands, and further research could provide more clarity on the health implications of certain additives.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding food products and to seek out reliable sources to better understand the ingredients and processes involved in their food choices.

Sources

1. American cheese - Wikipedia. Link
2. American Cheese: Ingredients, Nutrition, Benefits, Downsides - Healthline. Link
3. Understanding American Cheese: Composition and Characteristics - Fork and Feasts. Link
4. What Is American Cheese, Anyway? - Serious Eats. Link
5. American Cheese: What's Really In This Dairy Product? - CyCheese. Link
6. The Mystery Of American Cheese: What's Inside? - CyCheese. Link
7. What is American Cheese Really Made of: Unveiled Secrets - Cheese Path. Link
8. The Chemistry of American Cheese - Chemistry Is Life. Link
9. American Cheese - White - Boar's Head. Link
10. The Mystery Behind Processed American Cheese Ingredients - CyCheese. Link