Parmesan Politics: New Bill Aims to Protect Common Food Names Like 'Feta' and 'Bologna' for U.S. Exports

Ever wonder why sometimes you see 'Parmesan-style' cheese instead of just 'Parmesan'? A new piece of legislation, the "Safeguarding American Food and Export Trade Yields Act of 2025" (or SAFETY Act), tackles this issue head-on. Its main goal is to make sure American farmers and food producers can use common, everyday names for their products – think Feta, Bologna, Pilsener, or even Chardonnay – when selling them overseas, without running into trade roadblocks.

Defining What's 'Common'

So, what counts as a "common name"? The bill defines it pretty straightforwardly: it's the name people ordinarily use for a food or agricultural product, the one you'd typically see on the label. It specifically points to international standards, like those from the Codex Alimentarius Commission (a global food standards body), as a reference point. The legislation even lists examples we all recognize: cheeses like Asiago, Feta, Gorgonzola, and Parmesan; meats like Black Forest Ham and Prosciutto; wines like Chardonnay and Merlot; and beers like Pale Ale and Lager. The idea is to ensure that names widely understood by consumers aren't unfairly restricted in global markets.

Taking the Fight Global

The core action here involves diplomacy. The SAFETY Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to team up with the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Their mission? To actively negotiate with other countries and push for agreements that explicitly protect the right of U.S. producers to use these common names. It's about leveling the playing field so that an American cheesemaker can sell 'Feta' abroad just as easily as a foreign producer might. To keep things transparent, the bill requires these officials to brief Congress twice a year on how these negotiations are progressing.

Why This Matters for Your Grocery Bill (Indirectly)

While this directly impacts U.S. farmers, brewers, winemakers, and food companies trying to sell their goods internationally, the ripple effect matters. Securing access to foreign markets helps American agricultural businesses thrive, supporting jobs and the broader economy. When producers can confidently label their products with names consumers recognize, it reduces confusion and trade friction. This bill aims to prevent situations where U.S. products might be barred or forced into costly rebranding simply because another country claims exclusive rights to a name that, by U.S. and international standards, is considered common.