[dagw]

The US isn't as strict as Europe when it comes to enforcing those sorts of rules. For example you can buy bottles of US made sparkling wine labeled "California Champagne" and various cheese like products labeled "Parmensan" that have never been anywhere near Italy.

[ycombobreaker]

As i understand it "Parmigiano Reggiano" is the protected term. Parmesan cheese is the whatever-product.

[dagw]

That might be true for the US, in the EU both Parmigiano Reggiano and Parmesan cheese are protected.