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Protected Food Names Scheme
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. This system is similar to the familiar 'appellation controllée'' system used for wine. The scheme highlights regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed. Under this system a named food or drink registered at a European level will be given legal protection against imitation throughout the EU.
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 consumers' increasing awareness of the importance of regional and speciality foods.
With effect from 1 May 2009, 'Protected Designation of Origin', 'Protected Geographical Indication', or ‘Traditional Speciality Guaranteed’ and/or the appropriate logo associated with the designation must appear on the product label (Article 12.2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 509/2006 for TSG products, and Article 8.2 of No 510/2006 for PDO/PGI products).
Commission Regulation (EC) 628/2008 provides details of the new symbol for PDO products. The new PDO symbol is the same as the previous one in terms of shape and design but now bears the colours red and gold with the wording ‘Protected Designation of Origin’. The regulation makes provision for a transitional period to allow businesses to take account of the change. This means that, although use of the logo and/or the words for PDO will become compulsory on the labels of protected food name products from 1 May 2009, use of the previous blue and yellow version of the PDO logo can continue until 1 May 2010. The PGI and TSG logos are not affected by the change.
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
Open to products which are produced, processed and prepared within
a particular geographical area, and with features and characteristics
which must be due to the geographical area.
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Open to products which must be produced or processed or prepared
within the geographical area and have a reputation, features or
certain qualities attributable to that area.
Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG)
Open to products which are traditional or have customary names
and have a set of features which distinguish them from other similar
products. These features must not be due to the geographical area
the product is produced in nor entirely based on technical advances
in the method of production.
The logos can be downloaded from the European Commission website.
Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food
The Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food's report has highlighted the growing enthusiasm among consumers for high quality food with a clear regional identity. Consumers increasingly want to know how food is produced and are keen for their purchases of products to bring benefits to the area and people from where the product originates. The report also noted that one of the greatest opportunities for producers to add value and retain a bigger slice of retail price was to build on this enthusiasm. In light of this, the report recommended that the industry do more to ensure that producers take part in the protected food names schemes.
For a number of years now we have been actively seeking to raise awareness about the scheme and encourage more UK applications. The scheme provides a means for farmers to add value to their produce and market it in a more imaginative way, particularly given consumers' growing interest in food with a clear regional provenance. We fully endorse this recommendation and have written to Trade Associations and individual and small groups of producers to promote the scheme and its benefits.
Responsibilities for handling applications
From 1 April 2009 the responsibilities for handling of applications made under the EU protected food name scheme within England transferred from Food from Britain (FFB) to ADAS.
Page last modified: 21 July 2009
Page published: 21 July 2009