Traditional Specialities Guaranteed

Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) is a European Union regulatory framework aimed at protecting the names of specific foods and agricultural products to promote their unique characteristics, linked to their geographical origin as well as traditional know-how. The TSG is distinct from other EU schemes such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), which also focus on geographical origin but require the product to be produced, processed, and prepared in a specific area using recognized know-how.

Overview

The TSG certification helps in maintaining the traditional composition or means of production. Products certified under TSG are not necessarily linked to a specific area. Instead, the emphasis is on the traditional composition or traditional production methods. This label ensures that only products genuinely adhering to the traditional recipes and methods are marketed under the same name, thus safeguarding both the consumers and the producers.

Criteria

To qualify for TSG status, a food or product must be of specific character, either in the composition or means of production that distinguishes it from other similar products/categories. The application for TSG status must include:

• A detailed description of the product and its raw materials,
• The method of preparation and production,
• The elements that characterize the product and distinguish it from others,
• Proof that the product is traditional, i.e., it has been in production for at least 30 years.

Examples

Some notable examples of products that have received the TSG label include:

• Mozzarella (Italy) - for a specific type of cheese traditionally made using particular techniques.
• Kriek lambic (Belgium) - a type of beer that is produced using traditional methods.
• Słodka Papryka (Hungary) - a specific type of sweet pepper that is processed according to traditional methods.

Benefits

The TSG status offers numerous benefits:

• It helps protect the name of the product across the EU and discourages misuse or imitation, thus ensuring that consumers get authentic products.
• It aids in maintaining biodiversity and the survival of traditional products.
• It supports rural development by promoting agricultural products that are specific to certain regions.

Challenges

Despite its benefits, the TSG system faces challenges such as:

• The complexity of the application process, which can be daunting for smaller producers.
• Limited consumer awareness about the TSG label compared to PDO and PGI labels.
• The need for more marketing and promotion to enhance the value of TSG products.

See Also

• Food quality
• Labeling standards
• European Union Common Agricultural Policy