EducationPhase 3Geographical indications and traditional specialities

What are geographical indications and traditional specialities?

In 1993 EU legislation came into force which provides for a system for the protection of food names on a geographical or traditional recipe basis. The geographical indications and traditional specialities highlights regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed. There are three separate schemes: •Protected Designation of Origin (PDO); •Protected Geographical Indication (PGI); •Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG).

Under this system a named food or drink registered at a European level will be legally protected against imitation throughout the EU. The current EU legislation regarding protected food names is Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs.

Why protect a food name?

Producers who register their products for protection benefit from having a raised awareness of their product throughout Europe. This may in turn help them take advantage of consumers’ increasing awareness of the importance of regional and speciality foods. The Geographical indications and traditional specialities schemes encourages diverse agricultural production and helps consumers by giving them information concerning the specific character of the products.

The three schemes

Protected Designation of Origin - PDO: covers agricultural products and foodstuffs which are produced entirely within a defined geographical area using recognised skills and ingredients from the region and which is linked to its geographical origin.

Protected Geographical Indication - PGI: covers agricultural products and foodstuffs closely linked to the geographical area. At least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation takes place in the area.

Traditional Speciality Guaranteed - TSG: highlights traditional character, either in the composition or means of production. It is not linked to a particular geographical region.

What products are covered by the scheme?

Most foods intended for human consumption are able to apply for registration. This includes meat, dairy and fish products, honey, fruits and vegetables, beverages made from plant extracts, bread, pasta, pastries, cakes, biscuits and confectionary. Other products can also be registered under particular designations including:•PDO and PGI – natural gums and resins, hay, essential oils, mustard paste, cork, cochineal, flowers and ornamental plants, wool, wicker, scutched flax, cotton and salt;•TSG – pre-cooked meals, prepared condiment sauces, soups and broths, ice cream and sorbets, chocolate (and other food preparations including cocoa).

Examples of registered foods

Cornish Pasty

Mozzarella

Oscypek

Tarta de Santiago

Where can I find out what products are registered as a PDO, PGI or TSG?

Look at the DOOR database (Database of Origin and Registration) to see which product names are registered or have been applied for. The link is below:

http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/door/list.html;jsessionid=pL0hLqqLXhNmFQyFl1b24mY3t9dJQPflg3xbL2YphGT4k6zdWn34!-370879141