Pfizer-linked GMO enzyme found in 90% of U.S. cheese products

BREAKING NEWS: Pfizer-Linked GMO Enzyme Found in 90% of U.S. Cheese Products — Hidden from Labels Due to FDA Loophole 🧀

In a startling revelation that’s raising questions about food transparency and biotech regulation, over 90% of cheese products in the United States are reportedly made using a genetically modified enzyme originally developed by Pfizer—and consumers are never told.

The enzyme, called chymosin, is a lab-engineered alternative to animal rennet, allowing cheesemakers to mass-produce cheese more efficiently. While it’s been used for decades, the public is largely unaware that it is produced using genetically modified microorganisms (GMOs)—a process that falls under a labeling exemption granted by the FDA.

Because chymosin is classified as a “processing aid”, manufacturers are not required to disclose it on packaging, despite its GMO origins. This regulatory loophole has allowed widespread use of the enzyme in everyday cheese products—from sliced singles to shredded mozzarella—without a single mention on ingredient lists.

Health advocates and consumer rights groups are calling for urgent reform. “Consumers deserve to know what’s in their food, especially when it involves genetically engineered ingredients,” said Karen Andrews, a food transparency advocate. “This isn’t just about safety—it’s about trust and informed choice.”

Pfizer, which originally developed the genetically engineered rennet through its biotech division in the 1990s, has since spun off that business, but the enzyme’s origins remain tied to the pharmaceutical giant.

As awareness spreads, pressure is mounting on the FDA to close the labeling loophole and require full transparency about the use of GMOs in food production—even when they’re used indirectly.

Stay with us as we continue to investigate which cheese brands use this ingredient, and what it means for American consumers.