Images of pigs in filthy pens and barren conditions have sparked a row between animal welfare activists and the makers of Italy’s Parma ham. But the Parma ham industry has reacted with fury to the latest batch of images, saying they are part of “a smear campaign”. They say that they condemn any violation of animal welfare standards, “but we cannot tolerate those who improperly use our fame just to get more visibility”. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Italy’s artisanal Parma ham production became increasingly industrialised after the second world war. Supporters of the Parma ham industry say it is a traditional, natural product, intrinsically connected to another iconic Italian foodstuff, Parmigiano reggiano, (also known as Parmesan cheese) also produced in the region.

Source: The Guardian March 30, 2018 17:00 UTC