PDO/PGI/TSG - Protected Food Names

A European system for the protection of the geographical names of certain foodstuffs (which have a tangible link to the geographical area after which they are named) was established by Council Regulation 1151/2012. Protection under the system is absolute and extends to translations of the name, evocation, misuse or imitation. Regulation 1151/2012, and related Regulations 664/2012 and 668/2012, were given effect in Ireland by the European Union (Quality Schemes for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs Regulations) 2015 [ S.I. No. 296 of 2015] .

These update the EU schemes in place since 2002, which identify and protect the names of quality agricultural products and foods as

• PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) for products with a strong link to the defined geographical area where all production steps have taken place
• PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) for agricultural products and foods linked to a geographical area where at least one production step has taken place.
• Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) emphasise traditional composition and mode of production of products (proven usage on the domestic market for at least 30 years).

The scope of the schemes is strictly limited to agricultural products and foodstuffs where a link exists between the characteristics of a product or foodstuff and the defined geographical area. This can be the name of the region, a specific place or in exceptional circumstances, a country used to describe an agricultural product or foodstuff. E.g. Imokilly Regato

Traditional geographical or non-geographical names designating an agricultural product or a foodstuff can also be considered. e.g. Feta

Groups or persons interested in applying for PDO/PGI/TSG product classification or in participating in existing schemes should contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as the competent authority (GeographicalIndications@agriculture.gov.ie ).

Under S.I. No. 296 of 2015 the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) are the inspection bodies for this EU quality scheme.

Under Regulation (EC) No 1151/2012 GI food products must be verified as complying with the relevant GI product specification before placement on the market. Verification is an important measure to protect the authenticity and global reputation of Ireland’s protected Irish Food GIs.

1. Connemara Hill Lamb (PGI)

2. Imokilly Regato (PDO)

3. Oriel Sea Salt (PDO)

4. Oriel Sea Minerals (PDO)

5. Sneem Black Pudding (PGI)

6. Waterford Blaa (PGI)

7. Clare Island Salmon (PGI)

8. Timoleague Brown Pudding (PGI)

9. Irish Grass Fed Beef (PGI)

10. Achill Island Sea Salt (PDO)

Protected designation of origin / Protected geographical indication/Traditional speciality guaranteed

Regulation (1151/2012) on Geographical Indications and Destinations of Origin (pdf 1,057Kb)

Implementing Regulation (668/2014) (pdf 1,347Kb)

Delegated Regulation (664/2014) (pdf 358Kb)

Templates and abbreviations

European Commission

For the regulations and EU published Advisory notes please see the following link.

GIView Database

A list of all applications can be seen here