Protected Denominations of Origin (PDOs)
Protected Denominations of Origin (PDOs) are differentiated quality labels regulated by European Union law (REGULATION (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and the Council of November 21, 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural and food products). It guarantees compliance with additional quality requirements beyond those imposed on other products. The quality or characteristics of PDO products are directly linked to their geographical environment, including natural and human factors. Furthermore, their production, processing, and preparation must always take place in the designated geographical area from which they derive their name.
These are voluntary schemes that livestock farmers and producers can choose to adopt. Products that meet these requirements are registered in the EU database and are protected by intellectual property rights. To make them easily distinguishable, regulations mandate that all agri-food products covered by a PDO must be identified with this official logo.
Within the Ibérico sector, along with the Ibérico Hams certified under the Quality Standard, there are also Ibérico Hams protected under the four existing PDOs.
The following normative provisions, regulated by the European Union legislation (REGULATION (EU) Nº 1151/2012) must be met:
– The product must include a geographical name
– The product must be from that geographical area
– Its quality must be exclusively linked to its geographical environment, including natural and human factors.
– Production, processing, and preparation must always take place within the designated geographical area from where it derives its name.
– PDO-certified products must display the official EU PDO label.
– The geographical name is protected as an intellectual property right within the EU and in third countries that have signed agreements with the European Union.
– Each PDO is managed by a Regulatory Council, which regulates and standardizes the activities of operators, ensures product traceability, and oversees proper identification of the certified products.
– Compliance with the PDO specification is verified by competent authorities and is subject to official control.
The following normative provisions, regulated by the European Union legislation (REGULATION (EU) Nº 1151/2012) must be met:
– The product must include a geographical name
– The product must be from that geographical area
– Its quality must be exclusively linked to its geographical environment, including natural and human factors.
– Production, processing, and preparation must always take place within the designated geographical area from where it derives its name.
– PDO-certified products must display the official EU PDO label.
– The geographical name is protected as an intellectual property right within the EU and in third countries that have signed agreements with the European Union.
– Each PDO is managed by a Regulatory Council, which regulates and standardizes the activities of operators, ensures product traceability, and oversees proper identification of the certified products.
– Compliance with the PDO specification is verified by competent authorities and is subject to official control.