Our Weblog: Excerpts of Exports
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A Brief on Cheese and What It’s Labeled
I just read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about a dispute between Italy and Germany. The subject is cheese, specifically Parmesan, and the fact that Germany has been labeling their cheese Parmesan.
Italy took exception and took their case to the European Court of Justice back in 2003. The ruling, just today, while in favor of Italy was not a quick remedy. It has been several years and several million dollars later.
The European Court of Justice made the ruling that cheese from Parma, Italy is the only one that can be labeled Parmesan. Germany in labeling its cheese Parmesan, violated EU food origin rules. Germany countered that Parmesan is a “generic term for a type of hard, crumbly cheese that is often grated over food and cannot claim an Italian uniqueness”.
The court disagreed, saying Parmesan was “clearly a translation of “Parmigiano Reggiano.’” Although Germany will not be fined, it does have to change the name of its cheese. And Italy must monitor the situation and report any infractions to the “German Authorities”.
I am not taking sides here as I love all the countries of Europe each with its individual charms. But I have to say that one of the highlights of my trips to Germany has always been their delicious cheeses. They have some of the best that I have ever tasted making cheese the staple of my diet while there. The next time I travel to Germany, I think that I will go on a diet beforehand allowing me to indulge and be back to my normal weight when I return. That’s the plan, at least.