Bulgaria Files Application with EC to Register Yoghurt, White Brine Cheese as Protected Products

Nieuwsbericht | 04-02-2021 | 11:03

The applications were submitted by the Bulgarian Traditional Dairy Products association. A commission from the Ministry has reviewed the applications and all attached documents. The European Commission will start a procedure for reviewing the documentation, which should not exceed six months. In the event it does, the Commission has to give the reasons for the delay in writing. Third countries and EU Member States express objections under the procedure, and if no such objections are raised, the names will be included in the European register.

This procedure offers better income opportunities to producers based on the qualities of their products. The food products' names will be protected as intellectual property in the EU and from unauthorized use or imitation.

Products with protected geographical indication can be included in agreements between the EU and third countries for mutual recognition, cooperation and protection of the geographic designation area. This improves the Bulgarian products' competitiveness and access to new markets.

The registration of Bulgarian yoghurt and Bulgarian white brine cheese will lead to protection and affirmation of the good reputation and high quality of these traditional  Bulgarian dairy products, the Ministry explained.

The Bulgarian products currently included in the European protected geographical indication register are Gornooryahovski flat sausage (sudzhuk) and Bulgarian rose oil, as well as five foods of specific traditional nature. Fifty-four Bulgarian wines are registered with the EU – 52 as protected designation of origin and two as protected geographical indication.

Source: BTA Daily News, 4 February 2021