FACT FOCUS: Social media falsely claims heatwave threatens Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and bank
Summary
Social media falsely claimed that the extreme heatwave in Italy threatens the production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and the banks that store the cheese wheels as loan collateral. In reality, the cheese is kept in cool storage warehouses that are operating well despite higher energy use, and the cheese production is not currently at risk.Key Facts
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is made in northern Italy under strict rules, including aging for at least 12 months.
- Some banks accept cheese wheels as collateral for loans during aging, with Credito Emiliano S.p.A’s Magazini Generali delle Tagliate (MGT) being the largest storage.
- MGT stores about 500,000 cheese wheels worth around 300 million euros ($350 million) in cooled facilities.
- The extreme heat has increased energy use by 30% to keep the warehouses cool, but operations continue normally.
- MGT has improved warehouse energy efficiency with new refrigeration, better insulation, and solar panels.
- The Parmigiano Reggiano consortium says heatwaves can reduce milk yields by about 10%, but production is currently stable.
- Cows are fed preserved and dried forage to help during droughts, and farms use fans and water sprays to keep cows comfortable.
- Milk also comes from cooler hilly and mountain areas, helping to protect supply despite the heat.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
