Europe has a big cheese problem
In Italy and France, cheesemakers are struggling to cope.
France is currently grappling with a cheese crisis, as the nation's famous cheeses are in short supply due to a combination of factors. Charles de Gaulle's famous quote about the need for 246 varieties of cheese in a country comes to mind as the country's problems run deeper than just a lack of dairy products. In response to a series of droughts and heat waves, some cheese-making regulations were temporarily relaxed, allowing farmers to change their cows' diets.
The resulting change in diet has resulted in a diminished quality of renowned cheeses like Comté, Beaufort, and Abondance.
Italy, the country that has traditionally been a symbol of stability in Europe, is now facing its own cheese-related issues. Recent truckers' strike has led to a shortage of buffalo mozzarella in the Naples region, causing a loss of approximately €3 million in just 24 hours. Italian consumers are understandably frustrated and hungry, with the country's famed culinary heritage now threatened.
Despite the bison spokesperson's assertion that their two species are distinct, the situation highlights the fragility of Europe's cheese industry.
Written by urgent.news from Politico EU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
