EU food quality label systems

27 September 2007
by eub2 -- last modified 27 September 2007

in 1992, the European Union created systems known as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) to promote and protect food products.

Throughout Europe there is an enormous range of great foods. However, when a product acquires a reputation extending beyond national borders it can find itself in competition with products which pass themselves off as the genuine article and take the same name. This unfair competition not only discourages producers but also misleads consumers. That is why, in 1992, the European Union created systems known as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) to promote and protect food products.

A PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) covers the term used to describe foodstuffs which are produced, processed and prepared in a given geographical area using recognised know-how.

In the case of the PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) the geographical link must occur in at least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation. Furthermore, the product can benefit from a good reputation.

A TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) does not refer to the origin but highlights traditional character, either in the composition or means of production.

Why have European systems for developing and protecting foodstuffs?

• To encourage diverse agricultural production
• To protect product names from misuse and imitation
• To help consumers by giving them information concerning the specific character of the products

What types of products are involved?

How can I find out which product names are registered?

• Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)/Protected Geographical Indication (PGI): search by category or by country
• TSG: search by category

How do producers and processors go about registering a product name?

• A group of producers must define the product according to precise specifications.
• The application, including the specifications, must be sent to the relevant national authority [pdf] ...
• ... where it will be studied first and thereafter transmitted to the Commission.
• Here the application will undergo a number of control procedures [List of applications].
• If it meets the requirements, a first publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities will inform those in the Union who are interested.
• If there are no objections, the European Commission publishes the protected product name in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

From 3 April 2006, applications for registration of PDOs and PGIs by producers in third countries, and objections to applications by individuals in third countries, can be made directly to the Commission.

Source: European Commission