(ANSA) - Brussels, march 15 - The European Court of Justice
on Thursday rejected an appeal by a Spanish catering chain to
use the logo 'The Mafia sits down to eat', upholding Italy's
plea that it was clear publicity for the criminal organisation.
The ECJ said the logo "transmits a broadly positive image of
the Mafia" and "trivialises the grave attacks unleashed against
the fundamental values of the Union".
Mafia-themed products around the world earn untold sums of
money.
Two years ago Italian farmers' association Coldiretti
denounced the global proliferation of food and drink
labels and restaurant chains recalling Sicily's Cosa Nostra
mafia at the expense of authentic Made in Italy products.
The 'Mafia' brand is "used widely in international food
services to attract business," Coldiretti said, citing Spain's
'La Mafia' restaurant chain where eateries are decorated with
murals depicting famous mobsters and the 'Cosa Nostra' pizzerias
found in countries all over the globe.
The association also flagged up Mafiozzo coffee from
Bulgaria, Chilli Mafia snacks from Britain, The Godfather wine
from Napa Valley in California, and spicy red Wicked Cosa Nostra
sauce from Missouri, among other Mafia-branded products.
photo: a Facebook page dedicated to top Cosa Nostra fugitive
Matteo Messina Denaro
EU court KOs Spain Mafia eatery logo (2)
'Trivalises attacks agst European values'