A cheese packaging apparatus is provided which includes a cheese cutter which is activated only when a loaf of cheese is properly positioned at an intake position. The cheese cutter may also be adapted so as to only operate when an exit platform, on to which the cut cheese is to be placed, is properly positioned. The cheese cutter includes a vertical harp and is adapted to laterally move a loaf of cheese from a roller conveyor through the vertical harp, thereby cutting the loaf. Rollers having a driven inner portion which cause an outer portion to rotate when the torque between the two portions is below a particular magnitude are included in the conveyor leading to the cutter.