In 2002 the European Court of Justice ruled for cheese makers in Parma and the area around Parma to use the name Parmigiano Reggiano or its English translation which is parmesan which means “from Parma”. While Pecorino Toscano cheese has to be made in Tuscany, Chablis wine has to be bottled in France and a list of thousands of items which has to be made in its original region to be named after that region. Also if a global proposal was granted, the maker should come up with a new name.
Later on, in September 2003 in the meeting of the 146-nation World Trade Organization, a list of 40 foods and libations named for or associated with European areas was unveiled. Under the new proposed agreement, geographic origin would crush existing trademarks and many products will have to be renamed. Also the EU will not accept stupid names like “Rioja-style” and “imitation Gorgonzola.
Sarah Thorn says: “Why shouldn’t we have rights to names brought over hundreds of years ago? Some are generic. It’s too late to ask for them back.” World Trade Organization still has to decide on that proposal. But exporters who are selling in Europe should obey the EU rules. And the well known Kraft is already selling its cheese known as parmesan as Pamesello Italiano. And California Quady winery sales of Starboard Wine which has another name back in the US becouse of the European policy change.
(scott, Elder. "Name Calling Sparks Global Food Fight." National Geographic, Issue: July 2004. In print)
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