Italian products are famous and loved across the world and carry with them a value as a brand that many want to exploit.
In the latest such case, counterfeit Parmigiano Reggiano, Asiago and Pecorino cheese were found at one of the largest food and beverage fairs in the world, the Anuga Fair in Cologne, Germany.
Naturally, a centrepiece of the fair are Italian products that are widely requested. The fake cheesee were presented by a USA-based company under the names of Parmesan, Asiago and Pecorino Romano. In order for a product to be real Parmesan, it can only come from Italy, be approved by the consortium of Parmesan producers and should also be labelled accordingly.
Thankfully, the German authorities acted promptly and sequestered the products. Strict European regulations enabled this action which would have been more complicated or close to impossible in the USA where the rules do not ban producers from advertising products as Italian even when they are not.
Next time you are browsing for Parmesan at a supermarket make sure it is clearly labelled as Parmigiano Reggiano produced in Italy!
