After a trip to Italy, travelers return home and tell their friends about the beauty and ruins and cultural splendor — and then they rave about the gelato.

This is because, as the Italian sun beats down, tourists find refuge within the sublime and chilled paradise that is Italian-style ice cream.

But hold that mouthwatering thought: it turns out that some Italian gelato producers are pumping compressed air into the ice cream to fluff it up and further elevate the appeal.

Good news is, the Italian government has proposed a bill that would halt the confectionary tricks.

Forbes reports. 

“Ice cream producers will have to undergo quality control and, if their gelato is found to be over-inflated, will face a fine of up to € 10,000 ($15,000). The crackdown hopes to target low-quality, industrial production that can see as much as 80% compressed air pumped into the ice cream, effectively meaning customers are paying mainly for air, not gelato. The bill, proposed by four senators from the Italia Viva party and two from the Democratic party, aims to provide protection for artisan ice cream makers and safeguard consumer rights.”

This is great news for the integrity of this whipped culinary treat, and we’ll keep you posted on any developments.

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