The Italian Senate is pushing for strict regulations on the amount of compressed air pumped into the ice cream recipe, which makes it look fluffier, as well as the use of unauthentic ingredients. 

Ice cream producers will have to undergo quality control and, if they fail to meet strict measures, they will face a fine of up to €10,000 ($15,600).

The proposed law hopes to target low-quality, industrial production that can see as much as 80 per cent compressed air pumped into the gelato, effectively meaning customers are paying for more air than ice cream. 

The draft bill, proposed by six senators from the Italia Viva (IV) party and the Democratic Party (PD), aims to protect artisan ice cream makers and defend consumer rights.

“Italian ice cream has always been one of the gastronomic symbols of our country, together with pasta and pizza,” Senator Riccardo Nencini told national newspaper Il Messaggero.

“But in our legal system, there is no recognition or protection for artisanal ice cream and for those who make it.”

The proposed bill suggests that artificially pumping up ice cream with compressed air is not an authentic artisanal practice.

According to sector rules, ice cream should contain no more than 30 per cent air, which artisanal producers achieve by mixing certain ingredients vigorously.

The law also proposes a ban on pre-prepared powders and mixtures that only require the addition of liquid or sugar, cheap substitutes for fresh ingredients including artificial flavours and colours, and hydrogenated fats.

According to the bill, authentic gelato should contain only milk and its derivatives, eggs and fresh fruit.

Certain phases of processing the product will also be regulated, such as a maximum of 72 hours allowed for the freezing of the ice-cream at a maximum of 0°C. 

However, the plans have also caused a backlash among some “gelato masters”, who argue that pumping air into the mixture does not necessarily go against artisanal rules.

The draft bill has been assigned to the commerce and tourism commission in the Senate.