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Protecting Authenticity: The New Controls Behind Iberian Ham

Iberian ham is one of Spain's most celebrated foods, but behind its familiar appearance is a detailed control system designed to protect its quality and authenticity. From the farm where the pig is raised to the moment the ham reaches a restaurant, shop, or consumer, different stages are monitored to ensure that the information on the label matches the product itself. The system has become increasingly important as consumers seek greater transparency about where their food comes from, how animals were raised, and what they are actually paying for. A Quality Standard Built Around Traceability The main legal framework is Spain's Royal Decree 4/2014, which established the quality standard for Iberian meat, ham, shoulder and loin. The regulation brought together previous rules and strengthened requirements for identification, labeling and traceability. Traceability starts on the farm. Animals intended for Iberian products must be identified, and their information must be maintained...