Processed Pasteurized American Cheese

Processed pasteurized American cheese is a type of cheese food made from a blend of natural cheeses, emulsifying salts, and other ingredients like milk, whey, and salt. It is pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria and heated to achieve a smooth, uniform texture. This process results in a cheese that melts evenly and has a mild flavor.

Manufacturers add American cheese for its excellent melting properties and mild, familiar taste. It is commonly found in processed foods like cheese dips, sauces, spreads, and as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. Its consistency makes it ideal for applications where a smooth, creamy texture is desired.

American cheese is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. It is a source of calcium and protein. Some processed cheeses can be high in sodium. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many food additives used in processed cheese, but specific evaluations for 'American cheese' as a whole product are not typically made. Evidence does not link typical consumption of American cheese to adverse health outcomes.