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Report: Some Of That Grated Cheese Might Actually Be Wood

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Cheese connoisseurs praise some cheeses for having a nutty taste, but what are the odds some tastemakers would endorse a woodsy taste?

According to CBS News, some store-bought grated cheeses are being investigated for using a derivative of wood pulp.

CBS News reports that a small amount of cellulose is allowed in cheese, and is added in order to prevent clumping in the product.

However, a number of cheeses investigated by Bloomberg News show higher amounts, among them Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese from Jewel-Osco (with 8.8 percent cellulose) and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese (7.8 percent).

The investigation also found that Kraft grated parmesan cheese has 3.8 percent cellulose, which is within acceptable limits.

One brand that didn't list cellulose in its ingredients but still tested positive for a 0.3 percent amount was Whole Foods' 365 brand.

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