Cheese Is Killing People—and Other Reasons Not to Eat It

© iStock.com/cerro_photography
Published by PETA Staff.

Filthy conditions, pus-filled infections, and kidnapped babies—these are just a few of the many reasons why you should stop eating cheese right now. Cows are loving mothers who celebrate the birth of their calves and express anxiety and sorrow when they’re separated. In the dairy industry, their milk and babies are stolen from them, all so that humans can consume an unhealthy “product.” With so many delicious vegan cheeses on the market, there’s never been a better time to go vegan.

Here are some gut-wrenching reasons why cheese is uncultured:

1. Because it’s literally killing people.

In 2017, two people died and six were hospitalized after contracting listeriosis from Vulto Creamery cheeses. Later, 10 other cheese companies recalled products over concerns of listeria contamination.

2. Because it’s often made with slaughtered calves’ stomachs.

Many cheeses are made using rennet, an enzyme obtained by washing, drying, and cutting the stomach linings of slaughtered newborn calves, who were torn away from their mothers shortly after birth. Since male calves aren’t useful to the dairy industry, they’re often used for other purposes, such as in the veal industry.

calf used for veal straining against chain around his neck

3. Because you’re a feminist.

Cheese is a product of the domination, imprisonment, rape, kidnapping, and killing of female animals. Feminists stand for the equality of all, and it’s wrong to treat any animal this way, no matter her species.

4. Because it’s bad for you.

Cheese is loaded with artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol. Eating too much fat from animal-derived sources can lead to high cholesterol and heart disease.

5. Because you’re too old for breast milk …

… and you’re not the right species for a cow’s breast milk. A mother cow produces milk for the same reason that a human mother does: to nurse her infant. You’re not a cow’s infant child.

 6. Because pus.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that mastitis, a painful inflammation of the udder, is one of the leading causes of death for adult cows in the dairy industry. Not only is this condition horribly painful, it’s also often left untreated. Pus from the infection drips into the cow’s milk as she suffers.

Cows attached to milking machine

7. Because eating cheese is the same as eating meat.

After a lifetime of suffering at the hands of the dairy industry, cows are killed to be made into burgers. Instead of living out her full life expectancy of 15 to 20 years, a cow used in the dairy industry is slaughtered after her milk production drops at around 4 to 5 years. By supporting the dairy industry, you also support the meat industry.

8. Because your heart is bigger than your gut.

Ready to get dirty dairy “products” out of your diet? Try yummy, protein-rich nut-based cheeses today.


Have you been wanting to go vegan? Today’s the day you can change your life. Going vegan is the best choice you can make for animals, the environment, and your own health. Order our free vegan starter kit.

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