Food / Law

Cheese names under threat in EU free trade negotiations

13:40 pm on 21 June 2022

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New Zealand is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with the EU, and our cheese makers are worried they're about to be caught in the crossfire.

The EU is looking to strip outsiders of the right to use common descriptors like feta, parmesan and gruyere.

The New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association is urging both governments to recognise our shared cheese making heritage, as the results could be disastrous for the industry.

NZSCA board member and the owner of Barry's Bay Cheese in Akaroa Daniel Shields talks to Jesse.

Cheddar Cheese Photo: Wiki commons