The Gloucestershire Old-spot breed of pig has today been added to the list
of The European "Traditional Speciality Guaranteed" products under the
European Union's quality labelling scheme. This means that producers who wish
to use the EU's "TSG" label on these products must follow the precise
specifications set out in the product characteristics (see
OJ C 238 of 03.10.2009  ).
"Traditional Speciality Guaranteed" means a traditional agricultural
product or foodstuff with at least 25 years proven usage in the EU market and
recognised by the EU for its specific character. This registration will not
prevent other producers from using the same name, even if they do not follow
the specifications approved. Producers making these products to a different
recipe would however not be allowed to use the "'TSG" label.
Traditional Farmfresh Turkey is another British product that has the
TSG.
The denomination is part of an EU scheme which promotes and protects names
of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs. Its aim is to encourage
diverse agricultural production, to protect product names from misuse and
imitation and to help inform consumers of the specific character of
products.
Other categories include:
-
PDO (protected destination of origin) - covers agricultural products
and foodstuffs which are produced, processed and prepared in a given
geographical area using recognised know-how.
-
PGI (protected geographical indication)- covers agricultural
products and foodstuffs closely linked to the geographical area. At least one
of the stages of production, processing or preparation takes place in the
area.
Among the UK foodstuff recognised under the other two categories are Cornish
clotted cream, Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Welsh
Lamb and Beef.
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