The EU Protected Food Names Scheme provides protection for geographical indications and traditional specialties guaranteed for foods across Europe. It was established in 1993 based on the French Appellation d'origine contrôlée system to protect food names and recipes on a geographical or traditional basis. Regulations establish three categories of protection - protected designation of origin (PDO), protected geographical indication (PGI), and traditional specialty guaranteed (TSG). The UK currently has over 50 protected names registered and around 40 more in the application process. Producers can apply individually or as a group for protection. The application process involves national and EU consultation and review over 6-9 months. Registered names receive legal protection against misuse and imitation with benefits for

1. The EU Protected Food Names Scheme
Overview and application process
Applying for PDO/PGI for Fish and
Shellfish
44th Annual Conference
Fishmongers’ Hall, London

2. Introduction – EU Agricultural
Product Quality Policy
• Scheme rolled out
throughout Europe in
1993
• Based on the Appellation
d’origine contrôlée
system (AOC)
• In order to protect food
and drink on a
geographical or recipe
basis + to protect against
misuse and imitation

3. Regulations laying down the basis for
the EU PFN Scheme
•EC Regulation 1151/2012 on quality schemes for
agricultural products and foodstuffs
Covering protected designation of origin PDO,
protected geographical indication PGI and traditional
speciality guaranteed TSG
• Currently 52 UK PFNs
• Around another 40 in the pipeline

4. Protected Designation of Origin PDO
Protected Designation of Origin
• Products are produced,
processed and prepared within a
particular area
Karp Zatorski (Poland)
Phú Quóc (Thailand)

5. • Products are either produced
or processed or prepared
within a particular area
盐城龙虾
Yancheng Long Xia (China)
Acciughe sotto sale del Mar
Ligure (Italy)
Protected Geographical Indication PGI

6. • Products are not determined by
geography
• Traditional method or recipe of
importance
Traditional Farmfresh Turkey
Pizza Napoletana
Mozzarella
Traditional Speciality Guaranteed TSG

7. Products suitable for protection
• Most foods intended for human consumption such as:
Meat
Meat products
Cheeses
Honey
Oils and fats
Fish, molluscs and crustaceans
Fruits, vegetables and cereal products
Beer and beverages made from plant extracts
Bread, pasta, pastries, cakes and confectionery

8. Other products suitable for protection
PDO - PGI
• Cotton
• Cork
• Essential oils
• Flowers and ornamental plants
• Hay
• Mustard paste
• Natural gums and resins
• Salt
• Wicker
• Wool
TSG
• Pre-cooked meals
• Chocolate and other food
preparations containing cocoa
• Soups and broths
• Prepared condiments
• Ice cream and Sorbets

9. Who can apply for registration?
• Producer groups
• Individuals (for PDO, PGI) if:
local and traditional methods used
geographical area has characteristics
which differ from neighbours
product characteristics differ from
similar products
• Other producers can use a registered name if
the inspection body agrees their product
conforms to the registered specification.

10. Application Process
• Member States and the EU Commission have the
responsibility of assessing product applications
• UK National Consultation – 8 weeks
• EU Assessment of Product Specification – 6 months
• EU Consultation – 3 – 5 months
• Registration in Official Journal
• 20 days after posting of Registration in OJ product can
legally use name and associated logo

11. Benefits of PDOs, PGIs and TSGs
“It is the quality rather than the quantity that matters.” Seneca

12. Protection
Strong protection as set out in Article 13(1) of
Council Regulation 1151/2013
Registered name protected against:
a) Any direct or indirect commercial use of the name
b) Any misuse, indication or evocation
c) Any other false or misleading indications as to the provenance,
origin, nature or essential qualities of the product
d) Any other practice liable to mislead the public as to the true origin of the
product

13. Protection against unlawful use of
protected names
Member States shall take the
steps necessary to stop
unlawful use of
PDOs/PGIs/TSGs.

14. USE IT OR LOSE IT

15. The Producer
• Gives protection to the registered name
• Gives a premium price privilege
• Stand out from the crowd!
• Registered products are required to carry
the EU symbol which identifies products
as traditional and authentic.

16. Retailers and Caterers
• Satisfies consumers’ needs of
provenance
• Proof of authenticity
• Point of difference among similar
products
• Price premium can also be enjoyed

17. The consumer
• Proof of heritage, regionality, place of
origin
• Proof of tradition, skill-base, know-how
• Proof of speciality, tastes, flavours
• Guarantees the genuine article

18. Isle of Man Queenies

19. Lough Neagh Eels

20. Traditional Grimsby Smoked Fish

21. Arbroath Smokie

22. Whitstable Oyster

23. Cornish Sardine

24. Scottish Farmed Salmon

25. Scottish Wild Salmon

26. What next for PFNs in the
UK Sea World?

27. Fal Oyster
Applying for PDO
status

28. Selsey Lobster
Applying for the PGI status

29. ...and here are a few
of the applications the UK
currently have in the pipeline:
•Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese –
PGI
•Fenland Celery – PGI
•Lakeland Herdwick Lamb – PDO
•Traditional Bramley Apple Pie
Filling - TSG

30. Thank you
Irene Bocchetta
Food Policy Unit
Defra