Il latte pastorizzato: quale “fresco”?

Pasteurized milk: what does fresh really means? Abstract The Italian and the European regulations regarding the different kind of "food milks" available on the market and their relative diversification in commercial classes (with particular reference to the pasteurized milks) have been analyzed and evaluated. In this sector, Italy has a very detailed set of laws and decrees that in some cases are more restrictive with regard to the classification of EU concept of "pasteurized milks". In particular, within the Italian legislation the term "fresh" and "high-quality fresh" are attributed to pasteurized milk only if it complies with certain requirements related to specific parameters. This study has highlighted the problems relating to the "non-harmonization" of legislations at the European level about the pasteurized milk sector. It has also demonstrated significant potentials for the enhancement of high quality fresh pasteurized milk produced in Italy.