Tuesday, November 18th saw the parliamentary delegation of the Brothers of Italy party announce that they would protest against the jars of pasta sauce available in the European Parliament (EP).
The MEPs will submit an official letter to President Roberta Metsola regarding the use of the Italian flag and names on products sold in the EP’s Delhaize store. Carlo Fidanza, head of the Brothers of Italy delegation, denounced
The inappropriate use of Italian symbols or references on products that do not originate in Italy [which] could be considered a deceptive practice and therefore punishable.
Fidanza was referring to a European Union regulation prohibiting misleading advertising.
This letter is not the first indication of the problem. Francesco Lollobrigida, the Italian Minister of Agriculture, had previously posted photos on Facebook of a jar of sauce manufactured in Belgium bearing the Italian flag and name, including the famous Italian carbonara sauce. Lollobrigida claimed
I asked that investigations be started immediately.
The minister’s complaint also stated that the carbonara sauce contains ingredients such as cream and pancetta, which are not included in the original traditional recipe (which contains guanciale and definitely no cream).
Pre-made sauces sold in jars are generally unpopular in Italy, where residents pride themselves on traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients.
Lollobrigida’s previous culinary interventions include campaigning against lab-grown foods.
