i think the French may also own the drinking water company for London?

I think the taste of true British milk is so distinctively grassy, and butters are so very different between France and elsewhere, I find it impossible to believe there is no difference in taste. I've not eaten foods from Paul's so I can't comment specifically, but I stand by my remarks.

Also, since I live in a wine and cheese producing country, I've come to appreciate how poorly both travel. A bottle of wine suffers some fundamental indignities and loss of quality in industrial transport. Cheese? It's a world of difference to eat cheese that has not ever been refrigerated and that which has.

I agree with you that bad food is bad food everywhere, and that the standard for good food has been lowered in France.

PQ, French companies have been moving into utilities in the UK ever since privatisation - I'm one of the many Londoners that pays a bill to Electricité de France. That doesn't mean they produce the stuff though, likewise with the water, which is still mostly home-made, shall we say.

How can an AOC butter or creme fraiche sold in London differ in any way from the same butter or cream sold in Paris?

And it's just as illegal in a Paris Auchan to sell cheese that's not been in a controlled temperature since manufacture as it is in a London Sainsbury's.

You may be right, PQ. I live in Italy, where all those rules are ignored.