Do you know what's in your cheese? There is a good chance that you do not know the secret ingredient that is NOT required to be listed on the label but is found in over 90% of North American cheese!
If you're frustrated by this, you're not alone. You probably already know about that most dairy cows in the United States are fed GMO feed, but is there another GMO derived ingredient that could be contaminating even the grass-fed farm cheeses? The answer is sadly YES. This means that finding high quality GMO free cheeses is getting harder.
“What this means is that most cheese in North America is made from vegetarian-friendly but animal-origin, GMO-derived FPC rennet.” -American Cheese Society
All about rennet
Chymosin is the active enzyme found in rennet that is used as a coagulant in cheese-making. A coagulant is used to separate the milk into curds and whey, as well as break down the protein casein in milk.
There are 5 types of coagulants in cheese-making:
- Animal rennet (most expensive, up to 2x times cost of alternatives)
- Microbial rennet (mold derived rennet, hard to find, now replaced by FPC GMO rennet)
- FPC-Fermentation Produced Chymosin rennet (GMO)
- Vegetable rennet (hard to source)
- Citric acid or vinegar (often sourced from GMO corn)
Why is GMO FPC rennet used?
The reason that GMO FPC rennet is used is as simple as supply and demand. According to GMO Compass, “the demand for cheese cannot be met with traditional rennet. Therefore, diverse rennet substitutes are in use." The FPC GMO rennet provides an inexpensive option in unlimited supply.
How can you tell if it’s in your cheese? It's hard.
Sadly, companies are not legally bound to disclosing the type of rennet used on the label.
“FPC rennet is a genetically modified organism (GMO). According to the culture companies, 90% of North American cheese is made with FPC rennet. But ingredient labels do not distinguish between this type of microbial rennet and the original non-GMO type. And the fact that use of FPC-type microbial rennet is not labeled a GMO leaves those who oppose GMOs in the dark when it comes to choosing cheese.” –American Cheese Society
What about imported cheeses from European countries that ban GMO's and hence FPC is banned? According to this source, cheesemakers won't use FPC for products distributed in GMO banned countries, but they will use it in products imported to the US!
According to The Non-GMO Project, “If a cheese has our seal on it, the consumer can be assured that it does not have [bioengineered] chymosin." From my research, it appears that at this point "FPC is not permitted in USDA Organic Cheese," but that is being challenged. (source)
What cheeses are safe?
The cleanest cheeses are those that are made with animal rennet, such as parmesan and those cheeses that are traditionally made without rennet such as ricotta and mascarpone. If you need to be sure, however, I suggest contacting the manufacturer, as citric acid and white vinegar can also be made from GMO corn.
"When the label says "enzymes," it is likely that they are using one of the new products; lots of people are having serious intestinal reactions to commercial cheeses. Real animal rennet is still safe, as far as I know." Ray Peat, PhD
Sadly, this is just another example of how our current food system is dependent on GMOs. I prefer to vote with my fork whenever I can for the issues that matter, and for me, GMOs is one of them!
What do you think? Does this concern you?
PIN IT:
References:
Central Co-op. Rennet. 2013. Retrieved September 20, 2013 from http://centralcoop.coop/index.php?page=rennet
GMO Compass. Chymosin. 2010. Retrieved September 20, 2013 from http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/database/enzymes/83.chymosin.htmlFifth Town Artisan Cheese. The Importance of Knowing Your Rennet. 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2013 from http://www.fifthtown.ca/artisan_cheese/editorial/the_importance_of_knowing_your_rennet/
Microsoft Office. Cheese Clipart. Used with permission from Microsoft.
The Vegetarian Group Blog. Microbial Rennets and Fermentation Produced Chymosin (FPC): How Vegetarian Are They. 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2013 from http://www.vrg.org/blog/2012/08/21/microbial-rennets-and-fermentation-produced-chymosin-fpc-how-vegetarian-are-they/
Wikipedia. Rennet. 2013. Retrieved September 20, 2013 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rennet
Pamela
I make a non GMO Goat milk caramel and I am having a hard time marketing it. My soap is also non GMO and not one person seems to understand how important it is to use non GMO soap. Your skin is the larges organ of your body and what you put on it is in your blood stream in 26 SECONDS. Thank you for posting this. Maybe it will open some people eyes to start searching for non GMO products
Jamie Larrison
Unfortunately people in my area don't care much for health either. You may want to start selling on Etsy, or market to a more health conscious town. You could also have a small sign up with some GMO facts so they can see the importance! I sell all natural toothpaste on Etsy, but it's not a popular product in my town!
Kandi
Never even thought about GMO soap, but that brings up a good point! It is bad enough many of us put chemicals on skin, but we really don't think about our skin that much! I will be looking to see if my local markets have it available.
SaanenMom
My goats are fed local, non-GMO grains and I use oils, fats and butters that I try to get that are non-GMO. I do sell my soaps as "Natural" and have no trouble selling a 5 - 5.5 oz bar for $5. Any higher than that, they don't sell. It doesn't matter if the people are paying attention to what they eat or put on their body, our economy is NOT improving and people just can't spend that kind of money ($7.50/gal unpasteurized milk) regularly. My soaps have been selling well, but the price can't go up any, while my milk sales are slowing. My "job" as my husband's caregiver keeps the goats afloat.
Dolores
What is so bad about GMO modified soap. Whats in it thats toxic??
Tami
Really?
The whole conversation is about GMOs. They're bad. She's making a point that putting on your skin is just as bad as ingesting a GMO ingredient. A fact in which most people are ignorant.
SUSAN
DR Mercola talks about GMO soaps, shampoos, lotions, deodorant etc. GMOs Have paraban and other toxic ingredients in them. Dr Esinsteen, Dr Robert Scott Bell talks about it too. All on facebook or just research them. Your body is the biggest organ so it absorbs all this.
MrXander
Dr. Mercola is a quack - certified!! Just Google his name + skeptic - the literature is plenty and from diverse sources.
Lisa
Would love to check that soap out
penny prosick
THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR THAT INFORMATION, I WILL BE MAKING MY OWN SOAP OR FINDING A SOAP WITH NO GMO IN IT!
Jenny
I get my cheese from Beyond Organic and am incredibly impressed with the quality. It is USDA certified organic, truly raw (aged 60 days), from cows that are raised STRICTLY on organic greens and of course raised without hormones, antibiotics, vaccines, etc. It is also from cows that do not have the A1 beta casein ("devil in the milk") found in 99.9% of commercial dairy and even most raw organic grass-fed dairy. Pretty much all “raw” cheese you find in stores is still heated just below normal pasteurization, denaturing the proteins and killing the essential enzymes and probiotics. Just 1 oz of this cheese has 7 g. of predigested protein, 10 g. of healthy fat, probiotic, CLA, 200+ mg. Calcium, vit K2, and K7.
Note: I will saw that because I am so passionate about healthy, nutrient-dense, organic foods, I have proudly partnered with Beyond Organic to be able to share their organic beverages, foods and skin care because they are products I use and believe in. You can become a Preferred Customer and become part of an exclusive buying club by purchasing these products at discounted prices to enhance your own healthy lifestyle or you can even share your passion for healthy living with others by becoming a Mission Marketer and supplement your income at the same time.
Disclaimer: I will receive a commission if you purchase any products from my Beyond Organic website or enroll as a Mission Marketer through my website. I sincerely appreciate your support!
Robin
And your site is....?
Darcie
As a corn intolerant person, I'm unfortunately already aware of this rennet produced by fermentation. I can't eat any of these cheeses, which is really sad. I miss cheese!!
You're concerned with GMO-free cheese, yet you mention soft cheeses being safer. Did you know that white vinegar and most citric acid used in food production is made from corn? As most of the corn used this way is GMO, I wouldn't really consider these cheeses safe without checking the sources.
Catherine
Thanks Darcie, I did not know that about white vinegar! I have updated the article. Thanks for contributing <3
Noelia Pasi
There are many vegan cheese option out there, no need to miss cheese anymore. #fortheanimals #fortheplanet
Darcie
This comment as a reply to mine makes no sense. Why would I want vegan cheese if I'm allergic to corn? I have to look specifically for cheeses made with animal rennet. :/
Nathanael
Darcie,
As a cheese lover myself, I understand your frustration at a lack of options. May I suggest making your own cheese? Gavin Webber on YouTube has a lot of cheese making videos. It's actually quite inexpensive once you have a few of the essential items—i.e., cheese press, cheese cloth, strainer, enzymes and microbials, and a place where you can regulate a 55-60 degree temperature. Some cheeses you don't even have to age and can enjoy right away. Do your own research. Yah bless.
Angie
The article specifically states to check with the manufacturer concerning the origen of the enzymes in soft cheese due to most being made with GM corn. Do people not read the articles before submitting comments?
Helene
I think are thinking gets fuzzy because of all those GMOs we ingest. 🙂
Joanne
Shelburne Farms makes a non-GMO animal rennet grass-fed low temp cheddar. We switched, so some of the older cheeses still have it. Call for clarity.
Summer
Rumiano cheeses make a big point that they are certified gmo free. http://www.rumianocheese.com/
Pogonia
I didn't know this so am following to learn more. Thanks to all of you for sharing your knowledge and concern with us! 🙂
Rachael
As a former cheeseseller (and avid eater), this is disappointing. Personally, I fare well with any cheeses and tend to buy rather high-quality ones. It's good to know that many of the imported cheeses, which almost always have animal rennet, are GMO free.
Wendy
Actually she said the opposite. "What about imported cheeses from European countries that ban GMO’s and hence FPC is banned? According to this source, cheesemakers won’t use FPC for products distributed in GMO banned countries, but they will use it in products imported to the US!"
Val Criswell
As a Real Foodie (I own a Real Food retail store) and hobbyist cheesemaker, I can't believe this is a topic. I've used both Chymosin and Animal Rennet. The amounts you use in a batch of cheese are similar. The ratio is only a drop or two per gallon of milk. I'm a regular reader of your blog and enjoy the posts greatly. However, the petty nature of this is misleading and unrealistic. I find it hard to believe that anyone who understands the reality here is THAT puristic to care.
Val Criswell
I want to temper my reply above. I talk with women all the time who want to know how they can eat and serve their families better food. Since we're all on a path and we don't go from A directly to Z, its important to meet folks where they are and help them find the next step.
Many of the women I talk to feel overwhelm and condemnation because they can't find the time/energy/money to eat/serve at 100% Real Food level. I tell them to set priorities, and move to the next step. A post like this is counter-productive to those women.
Now for folks who have allergy concerns, that's a different perspective but the perspective given here is that grassfed cheeses are contaminated with GMOs which IMO, a few drops per gallon of milk is puristic and unrealistic.
Just wanted to post with details for clarity... I'm not a hater or basher. 🙂
Robin
It isn't necessarily about being puristic but voting with our dollars. Sure one drop in a couple gallons might seem minuscule, but when looking at how much rennet is needed to produce cheese for the American market, that is when it is not minuscule. Many of us strictly oppose GMO's and by not supporting any product that contains it, we are lessening the demand which will in turn hopefully depress production.
Catherine
Hi Val,
I have a background working in the food & cheese industry as well, which is how I learned about the "new rennet" years ago. While it may seem "puristic," that's not really what I'm after. More and more people are having reactions (digestive & otherwise) to dairy products, and all these industrial changes to tradition ways makes a difference, and I think the public should be aware of even the "petty" unknowings of the industry. Also I want people to know that they should experiment with different kinds of dairy to see if the cleaner kinds work for them.
Thanks for reading and contributing!
Catherine
Kandi
Catherine,
I enjoyed your post, and I agree that the public needs to be made very aware of how the industrial food operations work all the way down to the pettiest minute details. It is not puristic as Val had said. I myself want to know what it is I am consuming and how safe it may or may not be so that I may make an educated decision on whether or not I want to continue to consume a product. I love cheese though I have never made it, I think I might have to take a turn at it to see how I do. Thanks for the inspiration!
Kandi
Catherine
Thanks Kandi <3
Emily
Is there any evidence in peer-reviewed literature that people have varying reactions to cheeses made with differing rennets?
Darcie
I care which ingredients are used, as I get allergic reactions to some rennets. Yes, even a drop or two per gallon. Trace ingredients make a difference, and if you're trying to sell food to others, this is something you should already know.
Jen
This comment is disheartening. It's like saying you won't mind losing a few fingers because it's just a minute part of your body. Lame.
Brent
Exactly
SaanenMom
Hoegger Goat Supply sells vegetable rennet as well as animal rennet: http://hoeggerfarmyard.com/xcart/Cultures-Rennet-Color/
I would presume from what you said, that vegetable rennet is non-GMO. I get the 2oz and keep it the fridge, it lasts forever. I don't make much cheese as I can only sell raw milk cheese and I HATE cooking. I do however make wonderful goat milk soaps, which I "cook" in the oven 😉
Laura
Shawn
I've been researching cheese production recently and came across your website, one question, from what I've read so far the chymosin used in FPC rennet is not GM or GE. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chymosin
"The genetically-modified microorganism is killed after fermentation and chymosin isolated from the fermentation broth, so that the Fermentation-Produced Chymosin (FPC) used by cheese producers does not contain any GM component or ingredient."
I know it's wikipedia, and not all information their is accurate, but what do you think?
Catherine
I came across that in my research too, but regardless the FPC rennet is GMO derived, which is worth knowing.
To me, it doesn't matter if it is "technically" a GMO or comes from a GMO. It is the same in my mind, and by many in the food industry.
Thanks for sharing!
Catherine
Emily
This is correct, you're not eating the organism just a byproduct it makes. Avoiding microbial rennet in favor of veal derived rennet makes no sense ...just arbitrarily defining a food as "bad" based on a severe bias against biotech
Leah
It is true that it only takes a couple drops (about 1/16 teaspoon per gallon, depending on the type of cheese and strength of the rennet) but I try to avoid GMO's altogether. I make all of our cheese (both soft and hard) from our 100% grass fed cow's milk. I am very passionate about the ingredients in my dairy products and the diet that my cow eats. I use double strength organic vegetable rennet from New England Cheese-Making supply house.
(Found here: http://www.cheesemaking.com/OrganicVegetableRennet.html )
I have been very happy with the results from this particular rennet, even during extended aging periods (2 years or more). I am also very pleased with the philosophy of this company as they work very hard to provide truly pure ingredients (they even sell citric acid that is fermented so as to avoid hydrolization which produces MSG) and are very honest about their ingredients. If you're trying to make non-GMO dairy products at home, I would check out this company first.
Jason
Are we sure we prefer animal-derived rennet? It is derived as a by-product of making veal which is pretty rough from an animal rights standpoint.
"Natural calf rennet is extracted from the inner mucosa of the fourth stomach chamber (the abomasum) of slaughtered young, unweaned calves. These stomachs are a by-product of veal production" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rennet
GMO rennet is the same enzyme and the production process doesn't hurt anything but the microbes that make it. I think eating animal rennet makes the world worse than eating GMO rennet.
Jason
cliffageloff
There is no inherent danger in cheese made from FPC GMO rennet. Exactly what is "in" it that someone should not eat?
Emily
Thank you. The only thing in it is a 3 letter word
Adam
Interesting article!
If any of your readers want to find out more about rennet, I published an article specifically about it on my cheese making site. You can find it here: http://homemadecheese.org/how-rennet-works/
Best
Adam.
kygal2009
Yes, I am concerned. I need to stay away from animal rennet of any kind because I am a vegetarian. I also try to avoid GMO foods, so I am pretty much screwed unless I drive for over an hour to a specialty store such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe's or Good Foods, etc.
kygal2009
GMO rennet is made from animal chromosomes. So, it is a form of animal rennet. I will commit to finding cheese made from vegetable rennet. I will have to go to stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Good Foods, etc.
Steve Levine
If the genetic modified cheese and dairy ingredients have nothing to do with increased usage of glyphosate, and if my purchase of the does not financially benefit Monsanto, I am less concerned. My avoidance of GMOs has less to do with human health, and more to do with environmental damage, species loss, and the arrogance of Monsanto.
Emily
This is just silly. You would rather have cheese made by from a sliced open baby cow stomach than from a bacteria that was engineered to save the cow? You're not even eating the bacteria, just the byproduct. Doesn't even contain any of the GM bacteria DNA. This is a perfect example of a GMO you were already eating-with no issue- and solved a great Ag/food even ethical issue of killing infant animals and yet now you don't like it because of a 3 letter label? If you're going to be this strict your diet is looking more and more like orthorexia. Eat pizza at your kids birthday party. Eat cheese. Eat food. Be happy. Life is TOO SHORT .
More info here: http://io9.com/you-can-thank-genetic-engineering-for-your-delicious-ch-1701156684
Mark
You are wasting your time. Reason and knowledge had no part in arguing these people into their opinions and so it can have no part in arguing them out. For them, being anti GMO is like a religion and is impervious to reason. They are like anti-vaxers and creationist. The difference is that you have a whole industry (organic food) stoking there irrational and unsubstantiated fears so that it can make more money.
Kimberly Lynn
WOW. I would hardly call a legitimate physical, negative digestive reaction to consuming what my body identifies as as either: 1.) A foreign amino acid protein, or 2.)A 'identical in nature' amino acid protein to a KNOWN allergen as being 'irrational' and/or unsubstantiated. Trolls can be somewhat of an irritant; especially when not being able to correctly utilize English.
Mark
Anti-GMO zealots cannot be reasoned with. It has become a sort of religion to them, impervious to facts and reason.
And don't think that appeals to their humanity will help either. So suckling calves have to die for them. Big deal. Because of their thus far successful effort to block GMO Golden Rice, 100s of thousands of children are needlessly going blind and dying from vitamin A deficiency every year. Leaders of there movement have actually sought to block famine relief efforts because food shipments would contain GMOs. Better that the starving die than risk the horror of GMOs. All of this without one documented case of a GMO harming anyone.
swapna
I don't want to discriminate , but I am from Hindu origin , and we worship cows , I mean hump cows because of its excellent qualities. So, that is making me away from rennet .
I am searching really very seriously for good quality healthy vegetarian yet dairy cheese.
Wendy
Exactly, life is short and anything gmo derived shortens lives further. Doctors never can pinpoint what caused this persons cancer or that persons cancer, but I can guarantee it is from the foods we eat and the environment we live in. It's a combination and no one knows how much is needed to develop all sorts of health issues, everyone is different. Because you don't eat something that automatically kills you, it's not taken as seriously, but there certainly is a cumulative effect.
swapna
After I come to know about animal rennet I stopped eating Pizza and cheese .
Then I searched for rennet free and come to know that microbial rennet also contains small portion of animal rennet.
And Now the rennet made from corn as a source is even more bad for health .
I am a vegetarian and against killing cows and calves.
Can anyone suggest me which cheese or rennet I can prefer .
Damien
just came back from France where I spend a month with my Dad I ate more and I lost kilos I am convince that here in the USA our food supply is unhealthy but only a few American people realize it
Jhette
Catherine,
Thank you so much for this information.
Damien, your comments are spot on.
The French eat loads of bread and cheeses, and drink lots of wine, yet they remain healthier and leaner than we do in The USA.
We need to re-group, and at least take stock of our environment, agricultural practices and our need to preserve everything.
These are amazing times and many of us are finally awakening.
Thank you all.
Very good information
Jhette
motherwhocooks
Damien,
You are absolutely correct! U.S. foods are FILLED with junk. I learned this years ago when I was diagnosed with Celiac. Through many years of research I have found wheat in almost every food category (prosciutto! how is that even possible?)
Recently, my teenage son was diagnosed with severe soy allergies (and all legumes.) I am once again surprised to see soy in the most unlikely places: unsalted butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, yogurt, ice cream, Advil, Tylenol, Benadryl, antibiotics, bread, crackers, cereal, and almost every food that is produced in a factory setting!!!
Americans have no idea of what we are eating due to relaxed labeling standards by the FDA and a yearning for cheap, shelf-stable food-like products.
nancy
what no one is saying in these comments is that the substitute for rennet is made using e-coli - part of what makes the recombinant dna that is similar to rennet.
samantha
I just have to say that I am glad that they make microbial rennet just because my daughter is allergic to regular cheeses but with this such as in Go Veggie Cheese she can actually be a kid and eat all the things like her friends do. Sure I do not like that some are GMO but most of their products are GMO Free and are great .
Tina
I;d rather eat GMO cheese than kill a baby calf.
Kelilah bat Chava
What so many people are not aware of is the fact that God told us DO NOT MESS WITH THE SEED. Now man has disobeyed God and done exactly what He told them NOT to do thus blessings of health will be replaced with curses of disease and famine. My friends these GMO seeds are creating a famine in our own land and destroying the health and life of our children. Supply and Demand... No that is a lie. My grandparents did not have to live with GMO foods but had more then enough farms and farmers to produce healthy food sources. This all started with Jimmy Carter and his destruction of the Farming Industry in America. Monsanto was his great idea to control population. Now millions of Americans are sick with allergies and disease including most of our children. Until Americans stand up and speak out this will continue to destroy our people.
Me
Rennet is in all cheese that’s what makes it cheese
Leon
Big commercial enterprise do not want to depend on the farmer, therefore the rise of FPC microbial rennet. Various religious requirements also do not help.
There is animal rennet at Cheesemaking.Shop shipping Italian animal rennet out of New Jersey