Italy is a country that is famous for its cuisine. Their pizzas, their pastas, their desserts – what’s not to love?
Italy takes its position as a world leader in food very seriously. When it comes to its gelato, the country is very adamant at maintaining its status as being the best.
In fact, there is a proposal that is focused on having consequences for making bad gelato! Some of the ties to the proposal for bad gelato include fines as well as suggesting the banning of using artificial ingredients or colors.
As reported by The Telegraph, the proposed law is focused on ridding Italy of “cheapskate vendors posing as gelato artisans, who have been known to sell tubs which contain more air than ice cream.”
That means no more cutting corners as those gelato vendors who add extra air to their gelato to try and get a fluffier texture, instead of stirring it briskly to achieve the effect, could be looking at fines as high as 10,000 euros, or $12,000 USD!
The proposed law would also push for fresh ingredient usage rather than artificial alternatives such as artificial flavoring and coloring. It would also cut back on the use of hydrogenated fats. Making gelato fresher as well as presumably healthier is definitely something that we could get behind!
The Telegraph reported that supporters of the bill, such as senator Riccardo Nencini, said, “Italian gelato is one of the gastronomic symbols of our country, along with pasta and pizza. But our laws do not preserve artisanal ice cream and producers who make it.”
If the bill passes and becomes a law, then there is no doubt that any gelato that you eat in Italy is certifiably the absolute best. What do you think of the proposed law? Do you think it’s a good idea or a bit overboard? Let us know!