The European Commission has asked Italy to repeal a law from 1974 that prohibits the use of milk powder, condensed milk and reconstituted milk to produce cheeses and other milk products.
According to EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, an investigation is under way following a complaint from an Italian producer against the restriction of free circulation of goods made with condensed milk.
"We've written to the Italian authorities about it, and we are waiting for a response," Hogan said, adding that the investigation doesn't regard mozzarella or products protected with a Designation of Origin (DOP) or Protected Geographical Indication (IGP).
In Italy, the prevailing opinion is that the law in question has allowed the protection and promotion of unique national products and that the request would hit at the heart of Italian agricultural and gourmet heritage.
For his part, the president of Italian agriculture group Coldiretti, Roberto Moncalvo, claims that the request represents a "diktat from Europe" that is "bowing to the requests of lobby groups". If the request is accepted, according to him, it would result in the diminution of quality of Italian cheeses and yoghurt, but also lead to greater imports of milk powder and condensed milk.
© 2015 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic.
