Well-looked-after cows produce better milk, which is why European dairy producers follow strict safety standards for animal feed, milking, stall size and grazing pastures and control the presence of hormones, contamination and more. EU labels on dairy products let authorities find clear information about the farms they were produced in. These mandatory food labels do not just tell where in Europe your cheese comes from, but also provide insights into the producers and their commitment to quality.
The expertise of local cheese and dairy producers blend traditional and innovative practices for freshness and safety. There are over 1,000 European cheeses, each distinguished by different textures and tastes, including soft, semi-soft, blue-veined, and more. Spain contributes to the tapestry of flavours with its Queso Ibores (PDO), a goat cheese infused with papaya, offering a unique blend of sweet and savoury. Smoked cheese from Lithuania tantalises taste buds with its rich, smoky notes. Slovenia presents Bovški sir, another PDO-protected gem, showcasing the region's time-honoured cheese-making traditions. These examples illustrate the incredible diversity and innovation found within the EU's cheese and dairy industry, providing an endless array of options to satisfy every cheese lover.
Organic label means prohibiting the use of hormones and restricting the use of antibiotics to only when necessary for animal health. Organic milk comes from cows, sheep and goats living in a welfare-oriented animal husbandry: outdoors in summer with access to pasture and indoors in winter when the climate is rough, with organic forage and enough space for regular exercise. European cheese producers also use much less energy for their production than those in other countries, leading to fewer energy related GHG emissions.