Foodlaw-Reading
Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK
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FVO News Item, 30 May 2016
Since 2011, the Commission has undertaken audits in the area of geographical indications (GIs) and traditional specialities guaranteed (TSG) relating to agricultural products and food stuffs.
The EU quality schemes for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) and TSG protect and promote quality agricultural products and foodstuffs, wines and spirit drinks and aim to ensure the protection of their names from inter alia, misuse, evocation and imitation. They also help consumers by giving them information concerning the specific character of the products:
An essential feature of the quality schemes is to ensure that consumers can trust the guarantees provided by the labelling, which is only credible if backed by effective verification and controls.
As of October 2016, the Commission will be extending the scope of its audits in this area and will undertake the first audit relating to GIs of wine. (The concept of TSG does not apply to wines). This audit will take place in Portugal. Currently over 1750 wine names are registered in the EU representing worldwide sales of over 30 billion EUR.
The EU quality logo is granted only to wine products complying with EU rules, and whose specific characteristics are attributable to a specific region.
Some traditionally used names for wines might under certain conditions constitute a designation of origin.
The E-Bacchus database has further details on the registered wine names. This database contains of the Register of designations of origin and geographical indications protected in the EU in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 and lists
For the E-Bacchus database wine register, see: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/markets/wine/e-bacchus/
