Italian Parmesan producers are protesting what they call fake versions of the cheese made in the U.S. that are cutting into their livelihood.
Parmesan cheese — the real stuff, that is, labeled Parmigiano Reggiano — is a globally protected Italian brand. It can only be legally produced in and around the city of Parma, following a strict procedure. But that hasn’t stopped American cheese producers from calling another kind of cheese Parmesan, and even selling kits that claim people can produce it at home in just a few months.
Source: http://www.mycentraloregon.com/