Rules for the use of Parma Ham in processed products

If you want to use the geographical indication ‘Prosciutto di Parma’ in the name of a processed product that uses the geographical indication as an ingredient, you have to follow these rules, as set out in Article 27, paragraphs 1 and 2, of Regulation (EU) No 1143/2024:

1. The pre-packed processed product must not contain any other comparable product (namely meat-based products);
2. Prosciutto di Parma must be used in sufficient quantities to give the processed product an essential characteristic, and this quantity must correspond to not less than 10% of the processed food.

In particular:

1. a) If the percentage of Prosciutto di Parma is at least 10%, the geographical indication ‘Prosciutto di Parma’ preceded by the preposition ‘with’ may be used in the name of the processed product (e.g.: “Tortellini with Prosciutto di Parma”);
2. b) If the percentage of Prosciutto di Parma is at least 20%, the geographical indication ‘Prosciutto di Parma’ may be used in the name of the processed product, in a distinctive way which will be indicated by the Consorzio (e.g.: “Parma Ham Tortellini”);
3. c) in any case, the percentage of Prosciutto di Parma must be indicated on the label.
4. Compliance with the above conditions must be notified in advanceto the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma by email to ufficiolegale@prosciuttodiparma.com; the producer may only start using ‘Prosciutto di Parma’ in the name of the processed product after receiving confirmation from the Consortium and signing a specific agreement (click here to download the format).

Instead, if the geographical indication ‘Prosciutto di Parma’ is used only in the list of ingredients of the pre-packed processed product, it is not necessary to receive any notification and/or authorization from the Consortium. Obviously, in this case, official Authorities and our inspectors could verify the authenticity of the Prosciutto di Parma used in the foodstuff product production.