Samples classified as belonging to major brands were obtained
from local supermarkets, while samples classified as belonging to
small-scale producers were kindly provided by the Slow Food
association and by Eataly Distribuzione srl (Cuneo, Italy). Hard and
medium matured cheese samples were stored at 18 C until analysed.
Fresh cheese samples were immediately analysed without
freezing. All samples were analysed before their expiry dates.