A recent smattering of viral videos are telling people to avoid eating packaged, preshredded cheeses, claiming that the powdered substance they’re covered in to prevent clumping is actually “wood shavings,” “bark” or “saw dust.” …many viewers have shared their alarm saying that they’ll no longer buy shredded cheese. But what do dietitians think? …The cellulose used as a food additive is usually made from wood pulp or cotton lint… In either natural or additive form, cellulose is “generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration,” says Jen Messer, president of the New Hampshire Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Humans lack the enzymes to break cellulose down, so it passes through the digestive system without being absorbed. Cellulose also counts as dietary fiber … naturally occurring cellulose plays a vital role in digestive health. …Experts agree the only differences one needs to consider between block and shredded cheese are related to cost, convenience and taste.