The Laholm-based company Gårdschips will continue to sell its Parmesan chips despite a ruling by Laholm municipality based on EU legislation.

An inspection by the supervisory authority last week at the Gårdschips factory in Laholm resulted in a sales ban on chips labeled ”parmesan.” According to the authority, the company lacked the necessary permission to use authentic Parmesan from the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, a product protected under EU designation of origin regulations.

Gårdschips, however, contends that the authorities are ‘misreading and misinterpreting the law.’ In a press release issued on August 28, the company presented its case.

– Many of our competitors do not use real Parmesan, but because we do, we take the issue of origin and quality very seriously. Of course, we will comply with all laws and regulations. We are well-informed on this matter, which is why we are surprised and disappointed by the municipality’s actions,” says Henrik Strinning, CEO of Premium Snacks Nordic.

The press release further states:

– EU legislation on protected designations is not clear in all respects; for example, it does not specify who should be notified when using the name Parmesan. According to the new EU regulation coming into effect in April 2024, a permit, as required by Laholm municipality, is not necessary. Therefore, the decision is incorrect and will be appealed within the three-week deadline.”

Read the full press release HERE