cream wax with mold inhibitors

[Mina]

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this product.  How easy is it to use?  Can you use it for any cheese? 
We have a cheddar that we are considering to use this instead of wax or vacuum bag.

Thanks!!

[mikekchar]

If it's what I think it is, it apparently works well.  Here's a youtube video where Dale Calder uses it on a swiss cheese after the warm phase: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BwRu9vqr6Y&list=PL4B6zFYgLe4CQllzhwa40ovwbnC3jWIID&index=10&t=0s  Skip to about 7:00 to see him apply it.  He also has a taste test and I seem to remember it worked out well.

The only thing is that it is *not* edible.  You have to cut off the rind before you eat it.  I think quite a few commercial operations use it, though.

[Mina]

thanks mikekchar
is this the same stuff people are referring to as 'pvc coating'?  pvc doesn't sound so appetizing.  i'm interested in the mold inhibiting properties.

[mikekchar]

Yes.  I believe it is.  They add a chemical that inhibits the mould (similar to a fungicide except for mould... mouldicide???).  Personally, I think there is nothing wrong with it per se.   It's got some advantages over vac paccing in that there is less waste.  It's also a lot more convenient than wax.  However, I know what you mean... It kind of puts me off for no particular reason.

[awakephd]

Mina, I think it might be PVA rather than PVC. The latter (polyvinyl chloride) is what they make pipes from, and you definitely don't want it near your cheese. PVA can stand for polyvinyl alcohol, which is the primary ingredient in a range of things including certain eye drops and contact lens solutions (for "hard" or gas-permeable contacts). However, PVA sometimes is used to stand for polyvinyl acetate (which can be made from polyvinyl alcohol), which is the primary ingredient in "Elmer's Glue" (the basic white school glue). While neither one is designed for consumption, these uses suggest that they should not be a concern in contact with food. Certainly countless school children can attest that one can ingest a certain amount of Elmer's Glue with no particular harm!

[SOSEATTLE]

I have used it and it does have the appearance and texture of Elmer's glue. I like using it on pressed cheeses. Just keep in mind it is a mold inhibitor, but not always a complete mold eliminator.


Susan

[Jim-FLA]

Appears to be several comments from people who do not know this product.

There are a couple types on the market so check the MSDS or detailed descriptions.

The "Cream wax with mold inhibitors" is a food safe, edible, milk casein based product with a food safe mold inhibitor, Natramycin or sorbitol, added.

As explained in the video at 0:20 and 0:40 :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9883biZMPA

The cream wax is available with or without the mold inhibitor added.  The Natramycin imparts the Elmer's glue smell reported.  It is used in Elmer's Glue as a food safe mold inhibitor.