Protected Geographical Status

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Protected Geographical Status (PGS) is a legal framework defined by the European Union (EU) to protect the names of specific products to promote their unique characteristics, linked to their geographical origin as well as traditional know-how.

History[edit | edit source]

The Protected Geographical Status framework was established by the European Union in 1992 to encourage and protect the reputation of regional foods, promote rural and agricultural activity, and eliminate unfair competition and misleading of consumers by non-genuine products, which may be of inferior quality or of different flavor.

Types of Protection[edit | edit source]

There are three types of Protected Geographical Status:

  1. Protected Designation of Origin (PDO): Covers agricultural products and foodstuffs which are produced, processed and prepared in a given geographical area using recognized know-how.
  2. Protected Geographical Indication (PGI): 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.
  3. Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG): Highlights traditional character, either in the composition or means of production.

Impact[edit | edit source]

The Protected Geographical Status framework has been successful in achieving its aims of promoting unique products and eliminating unfair competition. It has also been instrumental in preserving traditional methods of production and promoting rural areas.

Criticism[edit | edit source]

Despite its success, the Protected Geographical Status framework has been criticized for being overly bureaucratic and for favoring producers in wealthy countries, as they are more likely to have the resources to apply for PGS status.

See also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD