Product labels emphasise the diversity of Europe’s products and protect the knowledge of farmers and producers.
European Union
In the EU there are a number of quality schemes in place to protect the names of specific products and to promote their unique characteristics and the traditional know-how involved in their manufacture. The corresponding labels identify products as authentic, of high quality, compliant with stringent safety standards and of course, uniquely European.
The main quality labels are: Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and an EU organic logo.
PDO
Products under this category have clear and indisputable links to the place in which they are produced. This means that all aspects of production, preparation and processing must take place in the specific region of origin. Some examples include: Neretvanska mandarina (Croatian mandarine), Fichi di Cosenza (Italian figs), Huile d'olive de Provence (French olive oil).
PGI
This label specifies a relationship between the region and name of the product. Unlike the PDO, only part of the production (at least one stage) must take place in the region in order to qualify. Some examples include: Czosnek galicyjski (Polish garlic), Makói petrezselyemgyökér (Hungarian parsnip), Pasta di Gragnano (Italian pasta).
EU organic label
Since 2010, all EU farmers wishing to market their products as organic must label them with the EU organic leaf logo, and provide information about where the agricultural products were farmed. The label ensures that the products comply with EU organic food production rules, did not involve the use of additives and processing aids, and did not come into contact with non-organic foods during processing.
EUROPEAN UNION
