Carbonara controversy: How the creamy sauce sparked a rift between Italy and the European Parliament

Image credits: X/@ultimora_pol, canva They say Italians are particular and possessive about their food, and there’s no time than now when this rings true. Whoever thought a jar of ‘carbonara sauce’ would cause a rift between the EU parliament and Italy? But it seems the time has come.

The viral incident

A jar of carbonara sauce for sale at the European Parliament in Brussels stirred the frustration among Italians because it did not contain the right ingredients. Italy’s agriculture minister, Francesco Lollobrigida, unleashed his anger about it earlier this week as he posted a picture of the offending pot on social media. The minister condemned the sauce for containing pancetta, a pork product similar to bacon, which is apparently a food faux pas in Italy. He shared how it was an example of products that commonly masquerade as Italian without having much to do with the genuine article. “It is unacceptable to see them on the shelves of the European Parliament market. I asked that investigations be started immediately,” he fumed.

Consequences, consequences

The controversy gained even more limelight as other far-right Brothers of Italy of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Lawmaker Carlo Fidanza criticised “products that use the Italian flag and evocative names without having anything Italian about them.” He also shared that he had written to the European Parliament’s president to complain. However, to Delhaize, the Belgian chain that sells the sauce, this uproar comes as a surprise. “We are somewhat surprised by the reaction and media attention surrounding certain Delhaize brand pasta sauces,” a spokesperson said.“Both the name and the packaging are fully compliant with current legislation. We therefore see no reason to modify these products and their packaging in any way. Existing products will therefore remain available on our shelves,” said the supermarket.

The ‘right’ carbonara sauce

Italians are extremely strict in following their recipes. When it comes to carbonara, Italian pasta is mixed with pork, cheese, egg yolks and pepper. The product made by Delhaize used smoked pancetta instead of guanciale, pork jowl. According to La Cucina Italiana magazine, it is not acceptable to substitute pancetta, thus the outrage.