Last updated on October 24, 2025
No. Within the European Union, only cheese produced in specific regions of Greece using traditional methods can legally be labeled “feta.” This protection is enforced under EU law as part of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) scheme.
A Name Worth Fighting For
In the world of cheese, few names carry as much weight as “feta.” Crumbly, tangy, and brined to perfection, this white cheese has long been a staple of Greek cuisine. But in the European Union, feta is more than just a beloved ingredient—it’s a legally protected treasure.
The story of feta’s legal status begins with a battle for identity. In 2002, after years of debate and legal wrangling, the European Union officially registered “feta” as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product. This meant that only cheese made in certain regions of Greece, using traditional recipes and milk from local sheep and goats, could bear the name “feta” on its label.
The Legal Backbone
The legal foundation for this protection lies in Regulation (EU) No. 1151/2012, which governs geographical indications and traditional specialties in the EU. Under this regulation, PDOs are treated as intellectual property rights. That’s right—“feta” is not just a cheese; it’s a brand, a heritage, and a promise of authenticity.
This regulation ensures that consumers know exactly what they’re getting and that producers in designated regions are rewarded for maintaining traditional methods. It also prevents unfair competition from producers who might try to cash in on the name without following the rules.
The Danish Dispute
The strength of this protection was put to the test in a high-profile case involving Denmark. Danish producers were making white brined cheese and labeling it “feta” for export to non-EU countries. Denmark argued that the EU’s PDO rules didn’t apply to products not sold within the EU.
But the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) saw things differently. In a 2022 ruling, the court concluded that even cheese made in the EU for export must comply with PDO rules. Allowing otherwise, the court said, would undermine the integrity of the PDO system and the rights of Greek producers.
The court emphasized that the PDO designation is not just about geography—it’s about quality, tradition, and consumer trust. And that trust doesn’t stop at the EU’s borders.
What This Means for Producers and Shoppers
So, if you’re a cheesemaker in France, Germany, or anywhere else in the EU, you can’t label your cheese “feta” unless it’s made in Greece according to the official specifications. Even if your cheese is destined for shelves in Tokyo or Toronto, the rules still apply.
For consumers, this means that when you buy feta in the EU, you’re getting the real deal—cheese that’s steeped in history, crafted with care, and protected by law.
And for Greece, it’s a victory not just for feta, but for the broader principle that food heritage matters. In a globalized world, the EU’s PDO system stands as a reminder that some things—like the taste of tradition—are worth protecting.
See more on the European Union
Sources
Feta cheese case – Manolo Blahnik
https://intellectual-property-helpdesk.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/feta-cheese-case-manolo-blahnik-2022-07-22_en
July 22, 2022
Regulation (EC) No 1829/2002
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2002/1829/oj/eng
October 14, 2002
Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32012R1151
November 21, 2012