Greece sues Denmark in the European Court of Justice over Feta Cheese.
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Greece has given the EU permission to start legal proceedings against Denmark for allegedly misappropriating feta cheese.
According to the Greek agriculture ministry, Greece has given the EU permission to start legal proceedings against Denmark over the alleged expropriation of feta cheese.
In a statement, the ministry stated, "The agricultural minister has (authorised) the launch of European Commission legal action against Denmark for breaking protected designation of origin (regulations)." According to Athens, it has also permitted Danish manufacturers to produce "imitation feta" and export "imitation EU cheeses" to non-EU nations. In 2005, the European Court of Justice dismissed a challenge by Germany and Denmark, which were backed by France and the United Kingdom, to their producers' right to continue using the feta term for their white, brine-soaked cheeses.
Feta cheese is one of many regional foods and beverages for which European countries are striving to keep their origin designation.