Click here to read the Spanish version.
Parmigiano Reggiano, in order to preserve the denomination of origin (PDO) and the authenticity of its cheeses, is introducing digital chips in the casings of its 40-kilo wheels as the ultimate step to protect itself – and stand out – from counterfeiters of Parmesan cheese.
It is an initiative in response to the frenzied wave of illegal traders of this highly sought-after Italian product, which will involve inserting microchips made of silicon, the size of a grain of rice, into the cheeses during production.
The devices will contain key information about the cheese, such as the place or date of production. In this way, consumers will be able to verify the authenticity of the cheese through a mobile app, with which to scan it and access all that data, such as the detection of the serial number that certifies the Parmigiano Reggiano.
In addition, these microchips use blockchain to trace the cheese wheel back to the place of origin of the milk that has been used.
Designation of Origin (PDO)
The fact is that the original Parmesan is officially protected by the European Union, so the name can only be used for the authentic product. This cheese is only produced in the Italian region of Emilia Romagna, the place to which it owes its name, must weigh 40 kilos and its curing time is at least one year.
In this way, Parmigiano promotes transparency and traceability in the food production chain, although, like any technological advance, it does not fail to raise challenges and enigmas related to data privacy.
