EUROPE – The European Court of Justice last week said ‘fake’ Parmesan cheese produced in Italy cannot be protected under the EU’s procedure for designations of origin (PDO) rules.

The decision means that for cheese to warrant the Parmesan label, it must now be produced to Parmigiano Reggiano consortium guidelines in Italy’s Parma region. The name Parmesan is the English translation of the PDO protected name Parmigiano.

A court spokesman said: “For reasons of consumer protection, imitation Parmesan manufactured in Italy is not eligible for protection under the transitional procedure for designation of origin.’

The EU has also launched a WTO plan to increase protection of regional products. It includes the establishment of a register by 2003 to guarantee the origin of premium products. The plan also proposes to extend regional protection to more products.

EU officials said that if implemented, the proposals would benefit rural communities and reduce consumer confusion.