By infopadweb 15 July 2025
AFIDOP and Università Cattolica
A Scientific Study to Protect the Identity of PDO and PGI Cheeses
April 2025
AFIDOP has launched a collaboration with the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore through the research center TROFIC (Transdisciplinary Research On Food Issues Center) to scientifically address the growing presence of lab-produced animal-based foods.
The study, coordinated by Professor Pier Sandro Cocconcelli, is titled:
“Risk Assessment for Consumers and Environmental Impact (LCA) of Lab-Grown Animal-Based Foods: A Comparative Approach.”
This research stems from the urgent need to scientifically evaluate the safety and sustainability of animal-based foods derived from cell cultures or precision fermentation. These products are not yet authorized in the European Union and raise questions about their actual environmental and nutritional benefits.
The study aims to examine lab-grown foods, such as cultivated meat and milk proteins obtained through precision fermentation, from multiple perspectives, and compare them to traditional production chains that define Italian PDO and PGI cheeses.
Unlike lab-grown products, PDO and PGI cheeses originate from real livestock supply chains based on sustainable and controlled practices, generating economic, cultural, and environmental value for entire local communities.
In a context where new food technologies risk being perceived, without proper evaluation, as more sustainable solutions, this research intends to provide concrete and transparent data.
Its findings will help clarify, on an objective basis, the substantial differences between PDO and PGI products and new food technologies, contributing to accurate consumer information and the protection of a production model that represents a hallmark of Italian excellence.
The research is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The results will be made public on the website www.afidop.com and made available to interested companies of the sector.
 |
Activity carried out with MASAF (Ministero dell’Agricoltura, della Sovranità alimentare e delle foreste) funds granted with Ministerial Decree No. 0672678 of 20/12/2024 CUP number J88H24002550007 |