Quick guide for controlling the protection of names of foodstuffs

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Quick guide for controlling the protection of names of foodstuffs

Guide/version: 116/04.02.00.01/2026, valid from 2.1.2026

Registered product names are part of the European Union’s quality schemes designed to protect the names of products that are linked to a specific geographical origin or traditional production method. The protection ensures the authenticity of the products and prevents misleading use of protected product names.

1 Product name registration schemes

The EU’s system for the registration of product names has three schemes:

  • Protected designation of origin (PDO) (in Finnish SAN, in Spanish/Italian DOP):
    • All stages of production take place within a specific geographical area.SAN.png
  • Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) (in Finnish SMM, in Spanish/Italian IGP):
    • At least one production stage takes place within a specific area. SMM.png
  • Traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG) (in Finnish APT, in Spanish ETG, in Italian STG):
    • Emphasises the traditional manufacturing method or composition, not bound to an area. APT.png

2 Registers and regulation

Name-protected products are registered in the EU’s official registers, such as the eAmbrosia register of geographical indications, eAmbrosia register of Traditional Specialities Guaranteed and GIview (PDO and PGI). Registered product names are protected against misuse, imitation and evocation in accordance with Articles 26 and 68 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

3 Content of control

Provisions on the content of official controls are laid down in Articles 38 and 72 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 on geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, as well as traditional specialities guaranteed and optional quality terms for agricultural products. Official controls cover the conformity of the product with the product specification, the correct use of the registered name and the implementation of protection on the market. The aim is to prevent the misuse, imitation and misleading evocation of a protected product name. Controls apply to both the manufacturing site and the products on the market.

4 Control at the manufacturing site

Control visits are carried out to verify the conformity of the production and manufacturing methods with the product specification and to check the raw materials used, the packaging methods, the appearance of the product and the labelling. In addition, it is ensured that production takes place within the defined geographical area.

5 Control in the market

A food business operator who, for example, manufactures, imports, packs, brokers, sells, serves, otherwise places on the market or uses name-protected products as raw materials must ensure the authenticity and correct labelling of the products. A protected product name must not be used in a misleading manner or in a manner that exploits the reputation of the protected product name.

6 Labelling and marketing

The use of the name registration logo is mandatory for the foodstuffs. The PDO, PGI or TSG logo must be on the labelling, also when the products are sold by means of distance selling. The protected product name must appear in the protected form. Other necessary information must also be provided in a language understood by the consumer, and exports must comply with the labelling requirements of the country of destination. The provenance, origin, nature or essential characteristics of the product must not be referred to on the packaging, in advertisements, etc. if they give a wrong impression of the origin of the product.

7 Name-protected product as an ingredient

The product name may be used, for example, in convenience food if the quantity of the ingredient is sufficient to convey its characteristics to the product and the percentage of the name-protected ingredient used is indicated on product labelling. A comparable ‘ordinary’ ingredient must not be used alongside it. For example, a Feta pizza must not contain both feta and ‘salad’ cheese. A producer of a prepacked food must submit a written prior notification to the recognised producer group (if such a group exists) and the notification must demonstrate that the conditions for using the product name are met (Article 27 of (EU) 2024/1143).

8 Naming a food

The protected product name must be used in the registered form and language. The product must meet all the requirements of the product specification. Misleading expressions such as 'type', 'quality' or 'imitation' must not be used.

9 Checklist for controlling the protection of names of foodstuffs

Control at the manufacturing site

  • Check that production, processing and handling take place within the defined geographical area (PDO/PGI).
  • Ensure that the raw materials and methods used comply with the product specification.
  • Check the packing methods and the appearance of the product according to the product specification.

Control on the market

  • Ensure that the name-protected product is used as an ingredient in accordance with the product specification.
  • Check that the name is not used misleadingly or exploiting the reputation of the protected product name.
  • Check that the product has no references such as ‘type’, ‘quality’, ‘imitation’, etc.

Labelling and marketing

  • Check that the name registration logo is used and is visible.
  • Ensure that the labelling shows the protected product name in the registered form.
  • Check that all the information is in a language that the consumer understands.
  • When exporting, ensure compliance with the labelling requirements of the destination country.

Use of ingredients

  • Make sure that there is a sufficient amount of the name-protected ingredient to convey its characteristics to the product.
  • Check that a comparable ‘ordinary’ ingredient is not used alongside it.
    • For example, Feta pizza must not contain both feta and ‘salad’ cheese.
  • The producer of the prepacked food has notified the producer group.

Naming a food

  • Make sure the product name is in the registered form and language.
  • Check that the product meets all the requirements of the product specification.
  • Make sure that all mandatory information is in a language that the consumer understands.
  • Misleading expressions such as ‘type’, ‘quality’, ‘imitation’ must not be used in products that are not name-protected.

10 Applicable legislation

Entry into force:

This guide is valid from 2 January 2026.