Bologna Mayor Virginio Merola claimed that Spaghetti Bolognese "doesn't actually exist", urging people to take photos of the famous dish in restaurants around the world.
"Dear citizens, speaking of fake news, I am collecting photos of spaghetti Bolognese all around the world. This one arrived from London. If you can, please send me yours. Thanks!" the official said on his Twitter page.
He also noted that the world should know Bologna for tagliatelle, tortellini and lasagne, invented in the northern Italian city.