Italy’s Law on ‘Pasta Purity’ Is Overturned
Italy’s “pasta purity” law was overturned today, opening the door to imports from other European countries and touching off warnings of an invasion of mediocre macaroni.
The European Economic Community’s Court of Justice in Luxembourg ruled that Italy could not ban imports under its 1967 law requiring that all pasta be made with durum wheat.
Pasta made of durum wheat is firmer--but also more expensive--than that made from other kinds of wheat.
“In the coming weeks, Italians will have to say goodby to their beloved firm pasta,” said the left-leaning newspaper La Republica in an article headlined “Pasta Without Durum Will Soon Invade Italy if the EEC Has Its Way.”
“That flavorful and firm macaroni, the product of our able pasta makers, will be challenged, and maybe even replaced, by the gluey and insipid pasta from Germany or Holland,” the newspaper said.
Even with the current emphasis on eating less, Italians consume an average of 55 pounds of pasta a year. It is always cooked al dente , or firm.
The case, dubbed “Pasta Wars” by the Italian press, was brought to the court by the West German pasta producer Drei Glocken. The firm was blocked in 1985 from bringing pasta made with mixed wheat into Italy.
According to the ruling, Italy can still require its own pasta makers to use only durum wheat.
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