The Italian government recently voted, almost unanimously, to uphold its decision to allow
only products made with 100% cocoa butter to be labeled as "pure chocolate". Other fats are allowed in the
products, such as those from milk, fruits and nuts, but the European Union currently allows up to 5% vegetable fats to
be present in a product labeled as "pure chocolate". In both sets of definitions natural flavors and soya
lecithin (non-genetically modified, in Italy) are allowed to be present in chocolate.
Italy introduced this definition of "pure chocolate" in 2003 in order to protect traditionally produced Italian chocolate from competition with imports, which were less expensive due to their partial use of non-cocoa fats. Italy, which may have to face the European Court of Justice because of its failure to recognise the European standards, is planning to petition the EU to obtain Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) status for its chocolate. Achieving this status would mean that the EU would recognise the Italian "pure chocolate" label and its assurance of 100% pure cocoa butter products made in a traditional manner.
Italian chocolate makers and cocoa growers have supported the government's efforts wholeheartedly. Chocolate is a 350 million euros ($424 million dollars) per year business in Italy, with the average Italian consuming nearly 10 pounds per year, a number which doubled in the past ten years and continues to grow.
What Can I Get You Folks? - Eating Out for Thanksgiving
In Defense of Guy Fieri
'Top Chef Vegas' - And Then There Were Five
