Is vegan cheese banned? It is a matter of communication and labelling.
In November 2024, Caseificio Vegano di Barbara Ferrante & C., a small artisan business from Emilia producing vegan cheeses, received a notice to desist from the Italian Ministry of Agriculture. The notice prohibited the use of the word “cheese” in their promotional materials and on social media. This episode, which attracted media attention and sparked a national debate, highlights the challenges faced by plant-based businesses in navigating increasingly restrictive regulations.
This controversy stems from the issue of “milk-sounding” terminology, governed by Regulation (EU) No. 1308/2013, which bans terms like “cheese” or “milk” for describing plant-based alternatives. For Barbara Ferrante, however, this is not just about rules—it’s a fight for freedom of expression and an ethical future.
In this interview, Barbara shares her journey, the challenges she has faced, and her message to policymakers.
The interview with Barbara Ferrante
VEGANOK: Where was the word “cheese” that led to the Ministry’s notice?
Barbara Ferrante: We never used the word “cheese” directly. Instead, we used phrases like “plant-based cheese alternatives” or, on social media, “vegan cheese.” On our website, we clarified that our products resemble the taste of traditional cheese. Yet, the Ministry objected to everything. I can’t even say they taste similar to cheese anymore.
VEGANOK: Why do you think your vegan dairy was targeted, given that larger companies use similar terms?
Barbara Ferrante: I’ve asked myself that same question a thousand times. We’re a tiny, artisanal operation, far removed from supermarket shelves. Perhaps it’s our communication that scares them. We state openly that our vegan cheese is cruelty-free, whereas traditional one involves agony and death. I believe the issue isn’t what we sell but how we communicate it.
VEGANOK: How did you respond to the notice to desist?
Barbara Ferrante: I had to delete everything: four years of work on social media, videos, posts, and anti-speciesist messages. There wasn’t a single post that didn’t end with phrases like “without animal suffering” or hashtags denouncing animal cruelty. It was devastating, but I chose to comply to avoid further notice. Now, our channels are empty, except for a video and an ad for a market stall.
VEGANOK: Do you think this will harm your business?
Barbara Ferrante: Paradoxically, no. The video we posted after the notice has had a huge impact, with 50,000 views—mostly from non-followers. The message about animal suffering is coming through loud and clear. So, while my business might suffer, the animal cause will benefit. That’s what matters most to me.
VEGANOK: What impact do you think these regulations have on the plant-based sector?
Barbara Ferrante: It’s an attack against change. Not only does it penalise small businesses like mine, but it also confuses consumers. Our products are clearly labelled, and people looking for plant-based alternatives aren’t expecting dairy. These rules only serve to protect an unsustainable system.
VEGANOK: What is your message to policymakers?
Barbara Ferrante: As an individual, I have just one plea: leave the animals alone. They deserve freedom. As an entrepreneur, I urge institutions to stop obstructing those working towards positive change.
The regulatory context and advocacy efforts
The Caseificio Vegano case exposes the contradictions of Regulation (EU) No. 1308/2013, which restricts the use of descriptive terms like “vegan cheese” to protect dairy products. These restrictions are a hurdle for the growing plant-based market, which plays a crucial role in the ecological transition promoted by the European Green Deal.
To tackle these challenges, VEGANOK, in collaboration with Safe Food Advocacy Europe (SAFE), has established a European working group to draft a Position Paper.
The paper aims to:
- Raise institutional awareness about the issues with current regulations.
- Support vegan companies in their communication efforts.
- Promote policies that encourage sustainability and innovation.
Sauro Martella, founder of VEGANOK and promoter of the milk-sounding working group at SAFE, stated:
The ordeal faced by Barbara Ferrante, a courageous entrepreneur and dear friend, is yet another example of how outdated and punitive current regulations are towards those operating ethically and transparently. Calling her products ‘vegan cheese’ misleads no one—those seeking plant-based alternatives know exactly what they’re buying. This regulation doesn’t protect consumers; it safeguards a system unwilling to embrace change. We won’t allow those working for a sustainable future to be silenced by unjust and obstructive rules. Barbara is not alone in this fight, and our working group at SAFE exists to challenge these legislative distortions and create a fairer market.
A message of support from the Italian Vegan Association AssoVegan
Barbara Ferrante has turned her dairy’s struggle into an ethical battle, intertwining her entrepreneurial experience with a powerful anti-speciesist stance. This approach has garnered significant support from the vegan community, which sees her not just as a brave entrepreneur but as a beacon of change.
Renata Balducci, president of the Italian Vegan Association, expressed her solidarity and support, emphasising the importance of protecting those who, like Barbara, fight for an ethical and sustainable future:
Barbara’s case is not just an attack on a business; it’s an attempt to stifle a revolutionary message that threatens those clinging to the status quo. Barbara isn’t just producing vegan cheese—she’s demonstrating that a respectful and sustainable alternative is possible. Her work and determination are a light for those who believe in a future where animals are no longer treated as resources to exploit. As the Italian Vegan Association, we stand by her in this fight. Her voice is our voice too.
Barbara Ferrante’s story is more than just an example of the challenges faced by plant-based businesses; it’s a symbol of resistance and determination. In a regulatory context struggling to keep pace with cultural and consumer shifts, supporting initiatives like Caseificio Vegano and working towards a fairer, more ethical, and sustainable future is crucial.
