Mozzarella arrests have already reached 13 people, says a report by the Associated Press. The detection of alleged counterfeit buffalo mozzarella cheese at an Italian factory reportedly been met with mozzarella arrests on Monday, May 12.
Mozzarella made from white buffalo milk has been known as a valuable commodity by Italians and tourists. The cheese is commonly used to make Caprese salad in Italy. It is made in the country, certified by the European Union with a Denominazione d'Origine Protetta or DOP seal. The seal supposedly guarantees its quality and reputation. Because of this new information, police concluded that the buffalo milk in the Italian factory was actually being cut with cheaper cow milk. The report of the mozzarella arrests may mean that some cheese with the seal may not be viable any longer.
The buffalo mozzarella made by the Italian factory was reportedly produced near Caserta in the Campania region of southern Italy, says authorities. According to Carabinieri Police Maj. Alfonso Pannon, the bad cheese which led to the Mozzarella arrests contained as much as 20 times permissible levels of bacteria.
As a result, Italian police have shut down the mozzarella-producing factory and made the mozzarella arrests of 13 people. They made the mozzarella arrests after finding out that prized local buffalo milk was being cut with cheaper imported cow milk.
On Monday, the police also reportedly shut down seven stores selling the cheese in the Campania region which includes Naples, reports the Aurora Sentinel.
According to the LA Times, among those included in the mozzarella arrests were two public health service veterinarians who allegedly tipped the factory to upcoming inspections. The investigation within the factory began after a worker lost some of his fingers because of safety flaws.
Mozzarella arrests Monday due to counterfeit buffalo mozzarella is not the first time that Italy has experienced counterfeit problems. In 2011, a UC Davis research study reportedly found that more than two-thirds of common imported olive oil brands sold in U.S. grocery stores aren't what they seem. Several olive oil labeled 100% extra-virgin were discovered to be just blends of olive oil with cheaper oils like canola, seed and nut oil.
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