The traceability of the production chain

At any given moment it is possible to test and evaluate every stage of the stringent quality control system of the Consortium of Parma Ham.

The fire-branded crown which distinguishes Parma Ham is not the only mark on the rind of the ham. The quality of the PDO product is guaranteed by the mark left on it by every component of the production chain, so that all stages can be traced and checked at any time.

Close inspection can show the entire journey of every single ham:

	A special permanent tattoo is used by the pig breeder to mark both haunches with his own identification code together with the month of birth of the pig.
	The abattoir then approves each fresh leg and brands it, permanently identifying it with the initials PP (Prosciutto di Parma) and the identification code of the abattoir.
	The month and year that curing began, together with the initials C.P.P (Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma) are embossed onto a metal seal in the form of a circular crown.
	At the end of this long process of certification, quality inspectors verify each stage and identify the hams as genuine Parma Hams. The five pointed crown on an oval base is then branded onto it, complete with the inscription PARMA and, underneath, the initials of the firm which produced the ham.

This last stamp is extremely important:

• it identifies the product from all other hams and guarantees its authenticity;
• it guarantees that all productive stages have been followed correctly.

Finally, the crown logo guarantees the product is a genuine Parma Ham.