Friday, 14 September 2012

New regulations on food labelling coming up: further protection for traditional and regional products


European Parliament has accepted new regulations for food labelling. The regulations aim to better protect and give clearer information, particularly on the issues of traditionally manufactured and regionally manufactured products.

The regulations will introduce the following definitions:

"Protected designation of origin" (PDO) - used for products produced, processed and also prepared in a given area e.g. Parmigiano Reggiano, Shetland Lamb, Feta, and Roquefort.

"Protected geographical indication" (PGI) - used for produce for which at least one production stage takes place in the specified region, e.g. Starobrněnské pivo, Schwarzwälder Schinken, or Castaña de Galicia.

"Traditional speciality guaranteed" (TSG) - producers using a recognised traditional method to make e.g. Vieille Kriek, Liptovská saláma, Kalakukko, or Prekmurska gibanica.

There will also be a new label for mountain products, and a label for local farming products and direct sale is on its way.

For more information, click here.