Protected food names: PDO, PGI, TSG
Protected food names are quality labels used in the European Union to safeguard traditional foods. PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) ensures products are produced, processed, and prepared in a specific region using recognized know-how. PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) highlights products closely linked to a region, where at least one production stage occurs there. TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) identifies foods made using traditional ingredients or methods, regardless of origin. These labels protect authenticity and regional heritage.
Protected food names: PDO, PGI, TSG
Protected food names are quality labels used in the European Union to safeguard traditional foods. PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) ensures products are produced, processed, and prepared in a specific region using recognized know-how. PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) highlights products closely linked to a region, where at least one production stage occurs there. TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) identifies foods made using traditional ingredients or methods, regardless of origin. These labels protect authenticity and regional heritage.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Understand what PDO, PGI, and TSG stand for and why these EU quality marks protect traditional foods.
- PDO requires all stages—production, processing, and preparation—to take place in a defined region using recognized know‑how.
- PGI links a product to a region but only requires that at least one stage of production or handling occurs there.
- TSG protects the product's traditional character or traditional production methods, regardless of where it’s made.
- Learn how these labels help you spot authentic British and EU products, what to look for on packaging, and why they matter for quality and regional heritage.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does PDO stand for and what does it require?
PDO stands for Protected Designation of Origin. It requires the product to be produced, processed, and prepared in a specific region using recognized know-how.
What does PGI stand for and what does it require?
PGI stands for Protected Geographical Indication. It means the product’s name is linked to a place, and at least one production, processing, or preparation step occurs there, with quality or reputation tied to that origin.
What does TSG stand for and what does it require?
TSG stands for Traditional Speciality Guaranteed. It protects the product’s traditional character—its recipe or production method—without requiring a regional origin.
What is the main difference between PDO, PGI, and TSG?
PDO requires full regional production; PGI requires a regional link with at least one stage in that area; TSG protects traditional character regardless of origin.
Are these labels used on British foods?
They are EU quality marks. The UK uses its own domestic schemes that mirror PDO/PGI/TSG to protect British foods, and EU labels may appear on UK products sold in the EU.