SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania manufacturer is accused of selling imitation Parmesan and Romano cheese that actually contained other cheeses, including cheddar and Swiss.
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Universal Cheese & Drying Inc. and International Packing LLC were charged Tuesday with conspiracy.
Prosecutors say the cheeses labeled as "real" Parmesan and Romano didn't conform to U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards and contained trims of other cheeses.
Michelle Myrter, president of Castle Cheese Inc. and a corporate officer in both of the other companies, is charged with the misdemeanor of aiding and abetting the introduction of misbranded and adulterated food.
Her attorney, Stephen Stallings, says Myrter has a plea agreement that involves probation for her and $500,000 in restitution and forfeitures for each of the companies.