Parmesan is not Vegetarian. However there are many similar cheeses that are veggie.  The problem comes when restaurants or people think automatically Parmesan is suitable because they get confused with Parmesan style cheeses which can be OK.

Parmesan has a Protected Designation of Origin within Europe requiring the use of calf rennet in its manufacture to allow it to be called Parmesan:

http://www.famigliagastaldello.it/a_52_IT_251_1.html

translated to english, the relevant part is: “The coagulation of milk is undertaken on the boilers trunk-conical copper and is achieved by using exclusive calf rennet.”

From the Vegetarian Society UK

“Parmesan and Gorgonzola are both by statute always made with animal rennet, so you have to look out for similar alternatives, such as the Vegetalia or Twynham Grange brands of Hard Italian Style Cheese to replace Parmesan, or a vegetarian Dolcellatte instead of the Gorgonzola.”

Katie Douglass, Head of Catering Services at the charity says, “On a weekly basis we hear about vegetarian meals that have been ruined because of Parmesan. Many restaurants have only one or two veggie options on a menu. Often both of these are then ruled out as they use Parmesan. Restaurants could make it so much easier for themselves by leaving the cheese off, or using an alternative and labelling it as such. Kick the habit and be proud that your dishes really are suitable for vegetarians.”

 

When you eat out or are buying cheese always ask if it is genuine Parmesan or a Parmesan style and ask if the labeling says suitable for vegetarians, otherwise you could be eating part of a cows stomach, yuck…