Division 4.4 Proof of origin

A mark made from casein is placed on each Gouda Holland cheese before the curds are pressed (see diagram). The mark contains the designation ‘Gouda Holland’, together with a combination of numbers and letters that is unique for each cheese (in ascending alphabetical and numerical order).

The COKZ (the Dutch dairy inspection institute) keeps a register of these unique numbers, which also contains a record of all test data (including time and place). The indication is easily recognisable to consumers and can be verified by an approval authority on the basis of the casein mark and the COKZ register.