High level of protection for originals

The two EU quality labels for traditional foods guarantee regional flavour experiences of controlled top quality. The EU gives manufacturers of specialities the opportunity to protect the traditional food designations as intellectual property. Plagiarised products offered under the same name or that merely allude to these foods are prohibited. This prevents consumers being misled and at the same time protects producers and producers from counterfeiting or misuse of product names. This high level of protection applies to all products with EU-protected origins within Europe’s borders. For specialities that are also of international importance, the EU is committed to maintaining the high quality standards and traditional production conditions worldwide within the framework of trade agreements.   

Over 3,200 selected European foodstuffs are already listed under the EU protected designations of origin “Protected Geographical Indication” (PGI) or “Protected Designation of Origin” (PDO). In Germany, around 170 products are currently under the protection of one of the two quality labels. Bayerisches Bier PGI, Allgäuer Bergkäse PDO, Franken PDO and Nürnberger Rostbratwürste PGI are among the more than 50 EU-protected delicacies from Bavaria. With its products accounting for around one third of EU-protected products in Germany, this makes Bavaria the leading region in protected products. All products registered by the EU have undergone the strict application procedure that comes with being included under the protective shield of the EU. This means that consumers can be sure that they will be getting the original wherever they are in Europe.