Swiss cheese is produced without the addition of artificial additives. Cheesemakers have undertaken to observe this principle as part of the cheese industry code. The measure came into force in November 2002 and has been renewed several times since. It remains provisionally valid until 30th June 2008. By voluntarily agreeing not to use artificial colourings and various preservatives with antibiotic effects, the use of which is permitted in the EU and in Switzerland, the Swiss cheese industry is clearly indicating its support of natural products. The fact that Swiss cheesemakers have agreed to go without such substances guarantees consumers an uncompromising, natural, high quality product each time they decide to purchase Swiss cheese.
Only cream cheese, seasonal specialities, processed cheese and processed cheese preparations are not covered by the regulations.
The cheese industry code includes the following key points:
It applies to mature cheese (extra hard, hard, semi-hard and soft cheese) that has been produced in Switzerland. It includes all market sectors (private homes, export, bulk consumers and semi-finished products for the food industry). The industry code does not apply to cream cheese, seasonal specialities, processed cheese and processed cheese preparations.
The following additives are not permitted in cheesemaking:
individual rennet substances produced using genetically engineered methods,
additives for the prevention of false fermentation: nisin (E 234), lysozym (E 1105), sodium nitrate (E 251) and potassium nitrate (E 252),
additives for colouring cheese dough: all artificially manufactured colourings. Natural and nature identical additives and colourings for cheese rind are permitted.
The following additives are not permitted in cheese refining and pre-packaging:
additives as surface treatment agents: natamycin (E 235)
The cheese industry code has been agreed upon until 30th June 2008.
Käseorganisation Switzerland, KOS, regularly asks individual domestic cheese producers to renew their decision not to use the above substances.
