BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - Belgian authorities destroyed a shipment of California-made sparkling wine as part of a New Year's crackdown on illegally labeled Champagne.

The destruction of the U.S. bubbly highlights a global battle by European food and drink producers to protect their brands by enforcing laws that say only products made in their original regions can carry names such as Champagne, Parma ham or Danish Blue cheese.

In the European Union and in non-EU nations that recognize label of origin rules, Champagne can come only from the region of the same name in France.