3-1-25 DailyBriefs.info The Great Cheese Debate: FPC, GMOs, and Authenticity in 2025

n analysis of an X post from 2025 reveals a debate about the authenticity of cheese in the USA. The post claims that 90% of cheese is "fake" due to the use of Fermentation-Produced Chymosin (FPC), a genetically modified rennet. While the statistic regarding FPC usage is likely accurate, the term "fake" is subjective, reflecting GMO concerns. The analysis unpacks the ethical and practical considerations of FPC versus traditional animal rennet. The debate highlights broader tensions between industrial food production, traditional methods, and GMO transparency, sparking mixed reactions from the public. Despite safety studies suggesting no health risks, the lack of GMO labeling for FPC contributes to consumer distrust. The issue underscores ongoing discussions about food ethics, transparency, and consumer choice in 2025. 

post on x

Conclusion/Summary of the X Post Analysis The X post by @humanbydesign3

, dated February 25, 2025, claims that 90% of USA cheese is "fake" because it contains FPC (Fermentation-Produced Chymosin), a genetically modified rennet initially dveloped by Pfizer. Here’s a concise summary of the analysis:

1. **Accuracy of the 90% Claim**: The assertion that 90% of USA cheese uses FPC is supported by credible sources, with estimates ranging from 80-90%. FPC, produced via genetic engineering, is widely used in industrial cheese production for its efficiency and consistency, aligning with the post’s statistic.

2. **Pfizer’s Role**: While Pfizer was the first to develop FPC, the claim that it’s exclusively made by Pfizer is an oversimplification. Other companies also produce FPC, but Pfizer’s historical role makes it a focal point in the discussion.

3. **Is It "Fake"?**: The term "fake" is subjective and reflects concerns about GMOs and deviation from traditional cheese-making, which uses animal rennet, milk, salt, and starter culture. Scientifically, cheese made with FPC is still cheese, as FPC is chemically identical to animal chymosin, but it raises ethical and GMO-related debates for some consumers.

4. **Ethical and Practical Considerations**: FPC is favored for its vegetarian-friendly nature (avoiding calf stomachs) and cost-effectiveness, but it’s controversial among those opposed to GMOs. Traditional animal rennet, while non-GMO, involves ethical concerns related to the veal industry and can be more expensive.

5. **Public Reaction**: Replies to the post show a mix of concern, agreement, and calls for local or traditional cheese, with some tagging figures like Robert Kennedy Jr. to highlight health or political angles. Irrelevant comments, like a dubious offer of money, were also noted.

6. **Broader Context**: The debate reflects tensions between modern industrial food production, traditional methods, and GMO transparency. FPC’s exemption from GMO labeling (due to its GRAS status) fuels distrust, but safety studies suggest it poses no health risks, though long-term data is limited.

In summary, the post’s core claim about FPC usage is accurate, but the label "fake" is opinion-based, rooted in GMO skepticism. This issue underscores ongoing discussions about food production ethics, transparency, and consumer choice in 2025.