{"id":40340,"date":"2023-02-16T17:12:08","date_gmt":"2023-02-16T17:12:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.granapadano.it\/the-consortium\/role-protection-and-promotion\/servizi\/"},"modified":"2023-04-05T11:40:34","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T11:40:34","slug":"services","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.granapadano.it\/en-en\/the-consortium\/role-protection-and-promotion\/services\/","title":{"rendered":"Services"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Home<\/a> < <\/div>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”gp_production_sub_hub_main” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||4px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”1px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”38px” header_line_height=”46px” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Services<\/h1>\n

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True to its mission, the organisation also provides various services to its members. Offering its guidance and active cooperation, the Consortium constantly strives to improve the quality of Grana Padano and preserve its distinctive features.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Merriweather|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”21px” custom_padding=”24px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Quality, first and foremost[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Merriweather|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”26px” custom_margin=”5px||||false|false” custom_padding=”2px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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The great cultural, historical, socio-economical heritage Grana Padano came to represent deserved to be recognised, supported and protected. That is why we are here. That\u2019s how Grana Padano can be Grana Padano.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The Consortium verifies compliance with the rules for feeding cattle<\/strong>
The feeding of the cows whose milk is turned into Grana Padano is crucial. The Consortium makes sure that the feeding complies with the rules, laid down in the Product Specifications, which describe in great detail the kind of forage that can, or cannot be used.
Currently, in addition to the permanent meadows used in some areas of the Mantua region, the use of temporary meadows has also been spreading. It is grown in rotation with other crops such as alfalfa, regarded as the queen of forage crops Throughout the years, summer and autumn catch meadows have also been added. And maize (corn) has become the par excellence forage crop in the Po River.
Finally, more and more farmers opt for unifeed, a single forage mix – always the same \u2013 whose components must comply with the rules established by the Product Specifications.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Barns” image=”https:\/\/www.granapadano.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Stalle-1.jpg” dot_nav_custom_color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_font=”Merriweather|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#0f0f0f” header_font_size=”22px” header_line_height=”30px” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” body_text_align=”center” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”18px” body_line_height=”26px” background_enable_color=”off” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”24px” button_text_color=”gcid-8696fd7e-29dd-4028-9d4d-981b208a53a9″ button_bg_color=”gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d” button_border_color=”gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d” button_border_radius=”45px” button_font=”FontPadano-Bold|700|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” button_alignment=”center” button_custom_padding=”|50px||50px|false|false” background_layout=”light” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-8696fd7e-29dd-4028-9d4d-981b208a53a9%22:%91%22button_text_color%22,%22button_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d%22:%91%22button_border_color%22,%22button_bg_color%22,%22button_border_color%22,%22button_bg_color%22%93}” button_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_icon_color__hover=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” dot_nav_custom_color__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n

Barns must be checked and certified<\/strong>
Farmers must guarantee that their milk is of the highest quality, for it to be transformed into Grana Padano. Each farmer has to submit a self-certification to the dairy where the production will take place. With this self-certification, the farmer will vouch for: 1) The number of owned dairy cows; 2) The total, yearly and per head milk production; 3) The effective exclusion of banned forages. 4) Compliance with sanitary regulations; 5) The milk storage proceedings, including the temperature.<\/p>\n

Obviously, every farmer must work in the Grana Padano production area (as identified by the Product Specifications).<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Inspections” image=”https:\/\/www.granapadano.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Ispezione-1.jpg” dot_nav_custom_color=”#000000″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_font=”Merriweather|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#0f0f0f” header_font_size=”22px” header_line_height=”30px” body_font=”Merriweather||||||||” body_text_align=”center” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”18px” body_line_height=”26px” background_enable_color=”off” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”24px” button_text_color=”gcid-8696fd7e-29dd-4028-9d4d-981b208a53a9″ button_bg_color=”gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d” button_border_color=”gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d” button_border_radius=”45px” button_font=”FontPadano-Bold|700|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” button_alignment=”center” button_custom_padding=”|50px||50px|false|false” background_layout=”light” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-8696fd7e-29dd-4028-9d4d-981b208a53a9%22:%91%22button_text_color%22,%22button_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d%22:%91%22button_border_color%22,%22button_bg_color%22,%22button_border_color%22,%22button_bg_color%22%93}” button_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_icon_color__hover=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” dot_nav_custom_color__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n

The Consortium helps its members perform their own inspections to make sure that the Product Specifications requirements are fully met.<\/strong>
In collaboration with qualified testing laboratories, the Consortium also regularly tests the dairies. Such tests concern the raw materials, every step of the production process and the production premises.The milk samples tests are done: 1) monthly, for the milk already being directly processed in the cauldrons; 2) bimonthly, for the milk just arrived in the dairy or being skimmed.<\/p>\n

The testing of these samples is essential to detect possible faults in the milk and it is crucial for a correct milk processing. All the steps of milk processing and the facilities must strictly comply with the Product Specifications requirements. After every test passed, a certification is issued, which will be added to the dossier required for the PDO mark fire-branding on the wheels.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”2px||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row module_id=”section-quality-check” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”||40px||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”38px” header_line_height=”46px” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Quality Checks<\/h1>\n

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For the Grana Padano Protection Consortium, quality is a fundamental value. For this reason, each wheel of cheese – before becoming Grana Padano PDO – is subjected to a meticulous evaluation process known as \u201cespertizzazione\u201d.
At the ninth month, the wheels are examined using the traditional test instruments – the small hammer, needle and probe.<\/p>\n

Only the wheels that pass all the tests receive the fire-branded mark, certifying it is in compliance with all of the standards set forth in the Production Specifications that guarantee the \u201csound, genuine and marketable\u201d quality of Grana Padano PDO.<\/p>\n

The dairy production technicians apply the fire-branded mark under the watchful eye of the officials of the Protection Consortium, with the approval of the certifying body (CSQA<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Without this brand, the cheese cannot be named or sold as Grana Padano PDO.<\/p>\n

While this is a very tough and burdensome process, it offers important benefits for the consumer in terms of quality and food safety. As we will see, this process is performed on the most valuable wheels of Grana Padano PDO, which are subjected to the longest maturing processes.<\/p>\n

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Temperature and humidity<\/p>\n

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Temperature and humidity control in the warehouse<\/strong>: The experts carry out the first check upon entering the maturing warehouse, where they ensure the temperature is between 15\u00b0 and 22\u00b0 C and the humidity is between 80 and 90 per cent.<\/p>\n

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Visual check<\/p>\n

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The experts carefully observe the wheels to ensure all the required distinguishing marks are present:<\/p>\n

Each one must bear the following marks:
– the Quadrifoglio, or four-leaf clover, in which the serial number indicating the province, month and year of production must be stamped;
– the diamond-shaped lozenges, all around the side, with the words \u201cGrana Padano\u201d
– the CE mark<\/strong>, certifying the conformity of the product with EU health standards, present under the four-leaf clover<\/p>\n

The flat surface of the wheel must also bear the casein plate which will then become part of the rind, bearing a code that identifies the wheel, ensuring its traceability.<\/p>\n

The visual check also verifies the absence of faults, such as lumps, spots, tears, or mould.<\/p>\n

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Tapping<\/p>\n

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Tapping is the first important check that certifies the conformity of the wheel to the Grana Padano PDO Production Specifications and therefore its eligibility for fire-branding.<\/p>\n

It is considered an important ritual and involves the use of high precision tools: the small hammer, a sharp ear and the extensive training of expert hammerers.<\/p>\n

“The process requires experience and skill, and can detect irregular lumps or cracks caused by abnormal fermentation. To ensure the wheel is compact and even inside, the technicians test to see if the sound is constant and even on every sideof the wheel, when tapped with the hammer.<\/p>\n

The small hammer is the tool used to tap the cheese. It is made of a metal alloy (lead and iron).<\/p>\n

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Needle<\/p>\n

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After the visual check and the tapping test, the technicians can proceed with the next step, which involves the use of the needle.<\/p>\n

The needle is a screw-shaped tool that enables the technician to penetrate the wheel for a few centimetres, and collect a small sample of product.<\/p>\n

This sample is then examined to check the colour and aroma of the cheese.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”100px||100px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#707070″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”recipe_single_button” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”FontPadano-Bold|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”26px” background_color=”gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d” transform_scale=”90%|90%” text_orientation=”center” width=”32.3%” width_tablet=”24%” width_phone=”25%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”right” custom_margin=”0px||20px|-10px|false|false” custom_padding=”15px|20px|15px|20px|false|false” border_radii=”on|50px|50px|50px|50px” border_style_all=”none” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n

Probe<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”26px” text_orientation=”right” min_height=”135px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

To be absolutely certain that each wheel of cheese is of the highest quality, a special probe is used to extract a small sample, about 1cm in diameter and 7-8 cm long to be exact.<\/p>\n

This way, the fragrance, colour, and texture of the paste can be assessed and any faults or defects can be detected.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.granapadano.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/img-paragrafo-04-45942-47367-47606.jpg” title_text=”img-paragrafo-04-45942-47367-47606″ align=”right” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”100px||100px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#707070″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.granapadano.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/img-paragrafo-06-45945-47368-47607-49166.jpg” title_text=”img-paragrafo-06-45945-47368-47607-49166″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”recipe_single_button” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”FontPadano-Bold|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”26px” background_color=”gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d” transform_scale=”90%|90%” text_orientation=”center” width=”15%” width_tablet=”24%” width_phone=”25%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”0px||20px|-10px|false|false” custom_padding=”15px|20px|15px|20px|false|false” border_radii=”on|50px|50px|50px|50px” border_style_all=”none” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n

Fire-branding<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”26px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]If the wheel meets the requirements according to the Product Specifications, it receives the fire-branded mark which certifies the quality of the cheese and its official \u201cGrana Padano PDO\u201d status.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”100px||100px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#707070″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”recipe_single_button” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”FontPadano-Bold|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”26px” background_color=”gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d” transform_scale=”90%|90%” text_orientation=”center” width=”32.3%” width_tablet=”24%” width_phone=”25%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”right” custom_margin=”0px||20px|-10px|false|false” custom_padding=”15px|20px|15px|20px|false|false” border_radii=”on|50px|50px|50px|50px” border_style_all=”none” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n

Etching<\/p>\n

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The wheels of cheese that do not meet the Product Specification requirements are \u201cetched\u201d.<\/p>\n

This is performed using an \u201cetching machine\u201d: a particular tool, exclusively owned by the Protection Consortium, which enables all the distinguishing marks of Grana Padano to be covered in crossed out and so removed. The casein plate and CE mark are also removed.<\/p>\n

The etched cheese wheel can be sold as \u201cItalian hard cheese\u201d.<\/p>\n

Once all the quality checks have been completed, the experts of the Consortium issue a detailed report stating, in particular: quantity of wheels tested, quantity of wheels fire-branded, number of etched wheels, if any, percentage of selected cheese, and average weight of the lot.<\/p>\n

The test report is precise. The number of discarded wheels reported must correspond exactly with the number of wheels subsequently etched.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.granapadano.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/img-paragrafo-07-45947-47371-47610.jpg” title_text=”img-paragrafo-07-45947-47371-47610″ align=”right” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”100px||100px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#707070″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.granapadano.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/IMG0455-riserva-47358-47363-47611-47907.jpg” title_text=”IMG0455-riserva-47358-47363-47611-47907″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”recipe_single_button” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”FontPadano-Bold|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”26px” background_color=”gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d” transform_scale=”90%|90%” text_orientation=”center” width=”15%” width_tablet=”24%” width_phone=”25%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”0px||20px|-10px|false|false” custom_padding=”15px|20px|15px|20px|false|false” border_radii=”on|50px|50px|50px|50px” border_style_all=”none” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-26f0371c-74dd-4e63-bbf8-f8ec94f09a6d%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n

Tapping for Riserva fire-branding<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”26px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]Producers of Grana Padano PDO can request that the Protection Consortium further test wheels that have been aged for 20 months.<\/p>\n

The experts then check the wheels to that they applied the \u201cGrana Padano\u201d fire-branded marking after the 9-month maturing process, carrying out another in-depth test to certify the cheese as \u201cRiserva – Oltre 20 mesi\u201d (Reserve – Over 20 months).<\/p>\n

In this case the checks are even stricter: According to the Production Specifications, the wheel must be \u201cscelta sperlata\u201d, which means that it must be considered free from defects, a status verified by further tapping and visual checks.<\/p>\n

The tapping performed to determine a wheel\u2019s Riserva status is extremely meticulous: In this case, the wheels provide a different response to a different sound. In particular, the sound is constant, consistent and sharper than in wheels subject to a shorter maturing processes. This cheese produces different sounds due to its texture which, during the extended ageing process, loses humidity and gradually becomes drier.<\/p>\n

The colour of the cheese is the same throughout the wheel: it goes from a straw yellow to a more amber shade (the variation in colour can depend on the type of warehouse, the humidity and the way the wheels are turned).[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Home<\/a> < <\/div>ServicesTrue to its mission, the organisation also provides various services to its members. Offering its guidance and active cooperation, the Consortium constantly strives to improve the quality of Grana Padano and preserve its distinctive features. 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