PDO, PGI, TSG and Equivalent Schemes

Protected-origin and traditional-speciality schemes attach legal consequences to registered names, but the schemes protect different relationships. In the EU framework, a protected designation of origin requires the strongest geographical link, a protected geographical indication requires an attributable quality, reputation or characteristic with a defined production link, and a traditional speciality guaranteed protects traditional composition or production without necessarily reserving a place of origin.

A traditional food is not automatically a TSG. Tradition may be documented by cultural practice, heritage registers, historical literature or customary use, while TSG status arises only through the applicable registration system. Likewise, regional fame does not itself create PDO or PGI protection. The official register and legal act establish registered status.

Equivalent schemes must be described on their own terms. DOP and IGP are language forms used within the EU system; other countries operate geographical-indication, certification-mark, appellation or sui generis systems with different definitions and enforcement routes. Similar policy aims do not make the legal categories identical.

The product specification is part of the protected architecture. It can define the name, product description, raw materials, geographical area, production method, link or traditional character, labelling and control arrangements. The Codex separates the registered name from a simplified product summary and links the Atlas entry to the current official specification.

Registration does not freeze a product permanently. Specifications and single documents may be amended, and amendments can follow different procedures depending on their significance. Cancellation, opposition, transitional arrangements and cross-border protection can also affect current status. The date and procedural route must therefore accompany any claim about what the protection requires.

Protection is name-specific and territory-specific. It may prohibit direct or indirect commercial use, misuse, imitation or evocation within the governing rules, but the exact scope depends on the scheme and applicable decisions. A generic family term, translated description or ingredient reference must not be assumed either protected or free for use without checking the controlling record.

Protected status does not certify every producer automatically. Operators must meet the specification and applicable verification or control arrangements. Nor does GI or TSG status replace food hygiene, additive, labelling, establishment, import or animal-welfare duties. The protected scheme and general food law operate as distinct layers.

Curesmith presents protected products neutrally. It preserves official requirements even where they differ from house methods, while clearly separating an authentic protected product, a non-protected regional variant and a generic style. Adaptations can be taught, but they are not relabelled as the registered product.