This product is not certified organic [read more]
Products bearing the USDA certified organic seal must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredient, and must be produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and free of genetically engineered ingredients.
Contains food additives of lower concern
Antibiotics were likely used in production of the dairy ingredients in this product [read more]
Antibiotics use dairy production poses moderate concern for antibiotic resistance.
Hormones may have been used in production of dairy ingredients [read more]
Dairy cows are sometimes injected with synthetic growth hormone (rBGH) to boost milk production. This practice is not allowed in Europe due to health concerns.
Likely contaminated with dioxin and other persistent organic pollutants [read more]
High fat dairy products, beef, and seafood are key sources of dioxin and other persistent pollutants in the diet. Eat less fatty meats and dairy to reduce your intake of these pollutants.
Contains the non-specific ingredient “flavor” [read more]
Added “flavors” are secret and often complex mixtures of chemicals that modify and manipulate the taste and smell of food. The lack of disclosure is a public right to know issue and especially concerning to people with unusual food allergies or on restricted diets.
Per gram, high in protein [read more]
Protein is a source of amino acids that are required for the proper growth, maintenance and repair of tissues. It also provides the building blocks for important enzymes and hormones. Protein provides calories and if eaten in excess will be stored as fat. Protein is found in high amounts in beans, nuts, eggs, seafood and meat. Protein is essential to health, but eating too much also carries an environmental and health cost. Learn more: http://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/
This product contains added sugar ingredients: Corn Syrup Solids [read more]
Eating too much of any type of sugar can lead to tooth decay. Added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, honey, sugar and dextrose are more concerning than natural sugars like raisins because they can lead to obesity by adding calories without being accompanied by important nutrients like potassium, vitamin C or fiber. Americans average 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day (NCI 2010; USDA and DHHS 2010). The World Health Organization recommends no more than 6 to 12 teaspoons of added sugar a day for adults, children should eat even less (WHO 2002; WHO 2014).
Product has been classified as having moderate processing concerns
From the Package
FETA CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, SALT, CHEESE CULTURES, ENZYMES), CELLULOSE POWDER ADDED TO PREVENT CAKING, GREEK SEASONING (SPICES, GARLIC, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, LEMON JUICE SOLIDS, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, MALTODEXTRIN, OLIVE OIL, NATURAL FLAVOR), NATAMYCIN (NATURAL MOLD INHIBITOR).
Products remain in the Database for two years after their label information is recorded in stores, even when they have been discontinued (products may remain in stores and pantries long past the date they cease to be manufactured). EWG marks a product it is aware has been discontinued with a banner identifying it as such.
Please note that EWG obtains the displayed images of products from third parties and that the product’s manufacturer or packager may change the product’s packaging at any point in time. Therefore, EWG assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of images presented.
Dining and Cooking