EU protects feta name; consumers urged to check labels for sheep or goat milk

The European Union’s protected designation of origin (PDO) guarantees that only cheese made from sheep’s milk, or a mix of sheep’s and goat’s milk, aged in brine and produced in specific Greek regions can be sold as “Feta”. Many white cheeses sold in brine are actually made from cow’s milk and therefore are not genuine feta.

The Verbraucherzentrale NRW warns shoppers to read the product name and ingredient list: if the label does not mention sheep or goat milk, the cheese is not authentic feta. Nutrition expert Elisbeth van Thiel stresses that the PDO label is legally protected and ensures the cheese’s origin and production method. The consumer group also provides a simple bean salad recipe that pairs well with real feta.

Consumers are encouraged to verify the “Feta” label to avoid misleading products and to enjoy the characteristic salty, creamy flavor of true Greek feta.