Court Ruled Asiago Labeling Was Misleading
A court ruling restricts how food brands market products using protected regional cheese names in the U.S.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Organic Food
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The Milan Court of Appeal ruled against Giuseppe Citterio Salumificio S.p.A. and its affiliate Euro Foods Inc. regarding the misleading use of the Asiago PDO name. This decision prevents the companies from further distributing their Sopressata & Asiago Cheese product with deceptive branding in the United States.
Why it matters
The ruling strengthens protections for traditional, region-specific food products against deceptive labeling practices. By applying American law to address misleading origin claims, the court aims to ensure transparency in how food products are marketed to consumers.
In a ruling by the Milan Court of Appeal, the court upheld the legal protections for Asiago PDO against improper use by commercial entities. While the case centered on deceptive packaging, the scope of similar international trademark enforcement across different jurisdictions remains an ongoing area of legal debate.
The players
Consorzio Tutela Formaggio Asiago
An organization dedicated to protecting the authenticity and regional integrity of Asiago cheese.
Giuseppe Citterio Salumificio S.p.A.
A food manufacturer involved in the legal dispute over the labeling of their meat and cheese products.
Euro Foods Inc.
An affiliate of Giuseppe Citterio Salumificio S.p.A. implicated in the distribution of the disputed product.
The details
The court found that the product branding for Sopressata & Asiago Cheese misled consumers regarding the true geographic origin of the cheese. By enforcing standards that recognize the Asiago PDO, the court effectively prohibited the unauthorized use of the name, ensuring that only products meeting specific regional standards can be marketed as such in the U.S. market.
Timeline
The Milan Court of Appeal issued the final ruling on 25 September 2026.
Health Landscape
This case illustrates the evolving enforcement of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification framework in international markets. It highlights a growing trend of utilizing legal protections to maintain the integrity of regional food standards against broader commercial misuse.
When shopping for specialty food items, looking for official certification labels can help ensure you are purchasing authentic regional products. If you are concerned about whether a product's origin or quality claims are accurate, check for established quality marks rather than relying solely on marketing copy.
The takeaway
Authenticity in food labeling is protected by specific legal frameworks designed to prevent consumer deception regarding product origin. As a general rule, verify the authenticity of specialty imports by checking for official designation marks on the packaging.
Further reading
For more on the standards governing regional food production, visit the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bird & Bird.
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