# Official Journal C 81/2012

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.081.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 81 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5520 March 2012 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.081.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 81

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5520 March 2012

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | IV   Notices |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2012/C 081/01 | Notice for the attention of the persons to whom restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP, as amended by Council Decision 2012/159/CFSP, and in Council Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Egypt apply | 1 |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 081/02 | Euro exchange rates | 2 |

Notice No

Contents

page

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2012/C 081/01

Notice for the attention of the persons to whom restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP, as amended by Council Decision 2012/159/CFSP, and in Council Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Egypt apply

1

European Commission

2012/C 081/02

Euro exchange rates

2

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 081/03 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6506 — Groupe Auchan/Magyar Hipermarket) (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| 2012/C 081/04 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6533 — Goldman Sachs/Advent International/TransUnion Corp.) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 081/05 | Information notice pursuant to Article 18(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008 — Initiation of an investigation pursuant to Article 17(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008 with respect to the effective implementation of the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs in Bolivia | 5 |
| 2012/C 081/06 | Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 6 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2012/C 081/03

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6506 — Groupe Auchan/Magyar Hipermarket) (
  1
  )

1

3

2012/C 081/04

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6533 — Goldman Sachs/Advent International/TransUnion Corp.) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

4

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2012/C 081/05

Information notice pursuant to Article 18(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008 — Initiation of an investigation pursuant to Article 17(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008 with respect to the effective implementation of the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs in Bolivia

5

2012/C 081/06

Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

6

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 20.3.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 81/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 81/1

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Notice for the attention of the persons to whom restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP, as amended by Council Decision 2012/159/CFSP (1), and in Council Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Egypt apply

2012/C 81/01

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons who appear in the Annex to Council Decision 2011/172/CFSP (2) and in the Annex to Council Regulation (EU) No 270/2011 (3) concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Egypt.

The Council of the European Union has determined that the persons that appear in the abovementioned Annexes should continue to be included in the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures provided for in Decision 2011/172/CFSP and in Regulation (EU) No 270/2011.

The attention of the persons concerned is drawn to the possibility of making an application to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State(s) as indicated on the websites in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 270/2011, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments (cf. Article 4 of the Regulation).

The persons concerned may submit a request to the Council, together with supporting documentation, that the decision to include them on the abovementioned lists should be reconsidered, to the following address:

| Council of the European Union |
| --- |
| General Secretariat |
| DG K Coordination Unit |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

DG K Coordination Unit

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

The attention of the persons concerned is also drawn to the possibility of challenging the Council's decision before the General Court of the European Union, in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 275, 2nd paragraph, and Article 263, 4th and 6th paragraphs, of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

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(1)  OJ L 80, 20.3.2012, p. 18.

(2)  OJ L 76, 22.3.2011, p. 63.

(3)  OJ L 76, 22.3.2011, p. 4.

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European Commission

| 20.3.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 81/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 81/2

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Euro exchange rates (1)

19 March 2012

2012/C 81/02

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3150 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 109,73 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4356 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,82845 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 8,8770 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2067 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,5505 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 24,533 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 289,44 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6968 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,1255 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,3788 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,3801 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,2452 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,3037 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,2086 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,5967 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6549 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 476,89 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 9,9593 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,3092 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5307 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 998,52 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,0147 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 56,417 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 38,4562 |
| THB | Thai baht | 40,410 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,3796 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 16,6825 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 66,0330 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3150

JPY

Japanese yen

109,73

DKK

Danish krone

7,4356

GBP

Pound sterling

0,82845

SEK

Swedish krona

8,8770

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2067

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,5505

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

24,533

HUF

Hungarian forint

289,44

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6968

PLN

Polish zloty

4,1255

RON

Romanian leu

4,3788

TRY

Turkish lira

2,3801

AUD

Australian dollar

1,2452

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,3037

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,2086

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,5967

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6549

KRW

South Korean won

1 476,89

ZAR

South African rand

9,9593

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,3092

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5307

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 998,52

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,0147

PHP

Philippine peso

56,417

RUB

Russian rouble

38,4562

THB

Thai baht

40,410

BRL

Brazilian real

2,3796

MXN

Mexican peso

16,6825

INR

Indian rupee

66,0330

---

(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 20.3.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 81/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 81/3

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6506 — Groupe Auchan/Magyar Hipermarket)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 81/03

| 1. | On 9 March 2012, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Auchan Magyarország Kft (Hungary), belonging to the Groupe Auchan SA (‘Auchan’, France) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Magyar Hipermarket Kereskedelmi Kft. (‘Magyar Hipermarket’, Hungary) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 9 March 2012, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Auchan Magyarország Kft (Hungary), belonging to the Groupe Auchan SA (‘Auchan’, France) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Magyar Hipermarket Kereskedelmi Kft. (‘Magyar Hipermarket’, Hungary) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | for Auchan: retail of daily consumer goods in various countries, including Hungary, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Auchan: retail of daily consumer goods in various countries, including Hungary,

| — | for Magyar Hipermarket: retail of daily consumer goods in Hungary. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Magyar Hipermarket: retail of daily consumer goods in Hungary.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6506 — Groupe Auchan/Magyar Hipermarket, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6506 — Groupe Auchan/Magyar Hipermarket, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘EC Merger Regulation’).

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| 20.3.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 81/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 81/4

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6533 — Goldman Sachs/Advent International/TransUnion Corp.)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 81/04

| 1. | On 13 March 2012 the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (‘Goldman Sachs’, USA) and Advent International Corporation (‘AIC’, USA) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the undertaking TransUnion Corp. (‘TransUnion’, USA) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 13 March 2012 the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (‘Goldman Sachs’, USA) and Advent International Corporation (‘AIC’, USA) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the undertaking TransUnion Corp. (‘TransUnion’, USA) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | for Goldman Sachs: Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of banking, securities and investment services worldwide, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Goldman Sachs: Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of banking, securities and investment services worldwide,

| — | for AIC: AIC is a private equity investor which controls the Advent International private equity group (‘Advent’) and, through this group, manages or advises a number of investment funds (‘Advent Funds’). Advent has holdings in various sectors, including industrial, retail, media, communications, information technology, internet, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, |
| --- | --- |

—

for AIC: AIC is a private equity investor which controls the Advent International private equity group (‘Advent’) and, through this group, manages or advises a number of investment funds (‘Advent Funds’). Advent has holdings in various sectors, including industrial, retail, media, communications, information technology, internet, healthcare and pharmaceuticals,

| — | for TransUnion: TransUnion provides credit information to consumers, predictive modelling, scoring, customer segmentation, benchmarking and credit information to businesses, hosting of data platforms from which customers receive risk scores, and selling of credit information to the public. |
| --- | --- |

—

for TransUnion: TransUnion provides credit information to consumers, predictive modelling, scoring, customer segmentation, benchmarking and credit information to businesses, hosting of data platforms from which customers receive risk scores, and selling of credit information to the public.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6533 — Goldman Sachs/Advent International/TransUnion Corp., to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6533 — Goldman Sachs/Advent International/TransUnion Corp., to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘EC Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32 (‘Notice on a simplified procedure’).

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 20.3.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 81/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 81/5

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Information notice pursuant to Article 18(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008

Initiation of an investigation pursuant to Article 17(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008 with respect to the effective implementation of the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs in Bolivia

2012/C 81/05

On 19 March 2012, the Commission adopted the Implementing Decision providing for the initiation of an investigation pursuant to Article 17(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008 with respect to the effective implementation of the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs in Bolivia (1). The investigation shall establish whether the denunciation of that Convention, which took effect for Bolivia on 1 January 2012, justifies a temporary withdrawal of the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance for products originating in Bolivia.

Article 15(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008 of 22 July 2008 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences (2) provides for the temporary withdrawal of the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance, in particular if the national legislation of a beneficiary country no longer incorporates conventions referred to in Annex III which have been ratified in fulfilment of the requirements related to granting the special incentive arrangement or if that legislation is not effectively implemented.

Under Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 732/2008, when the Commission has received information and considers that there are sufficient grounds for an investigation that may justify temporary withdrawal, it may decide to initiate an investigation.

The Commission has received information that, on 29 June 2011, the Government of Bolivia deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations an instrument of denunciation of the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. The denunciation took effect for Bolivia on 1 January 2012.

The UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs is listed in Annex III, Part B, point 24 of Regulation (EC) No 732/2008. The ratification and effective implementation of this Convention was therefore one of the criteria that Bolivia was required to meet before it was included in the list of beneficiaries of the special incentive arrangement for good governance and sustainable development.

The Commission found that it is necessary to analyse the legal effects of the denunciation of this Convention to determine whether they justify a temporary withdrawal of the special incentive arrangement.

Interested parties are invited to send any relevant information and comments within four months from the date of publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, to the following address:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Trade |
| Office: 9/218 |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 170 |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Trade

Office: 9/218

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 170

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 80, 19.3.2012, p. 30.

(2)  OJ L 211, 6.8.2008, p. 1.

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| 20.3.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 81/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 81/6

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Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

2012/C 81/06

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.

AMENDMENT APPLICATION

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT UNDER ARTICLE 9

‘CECINA DE LEÓN’

EC No: ES-PGI-0117-0103-04.06.2010

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1.   Heading in the specification affected by the amendment:

| — |  | Product name |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — | | Description |
| — |  | Geographical area |
| — | | Proof of origin |
| — | | Method of production |
| — |  | Link |
| — | | Labelling |
| — | | National requirements |
| — |  | Other (to be specified) |

—



Product name

—

Image

Description

—



Geographical area

—

Image

Proof of origin

—

Image

Method of production

—



Link

—

Image

Labelling

—

Image

National requirements

—



Other (to be specified)

2.   Amendment type:

| — |  | Amendment to single document or summary sheet |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — | | Amendment to specification of registered PDO or PGI for which neither the single document nor the summary has been published |
| — |  | Amendment to specification that requires no amendment to the published single document (Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006) |
| — |  | Temporary amendment to specification resulting from imposition of obligatory sanitary or phyto-sanitary measures by public authorities (Article 9(4) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006) |

—



Amendment to single document or summary sheet

—

Image

Amendment to specification of registered PDO or PGI for which neither the single document nor the summary has been published

—



Amendment to specification that requires no amendment to the published single document (Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

—



Temporary amendment to specification resulting from imposition of obligatory sanitary or phyto-sanitary measures by public authorities (Article 9(4) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

3.   Amendment(s):

3.1.   Description:

It was noted that the product specification did not include a general description of the product. To remedy this, an introductory descriptive paragraph has been added and the opportunity has been taken to determine the minimum curing period, which had not previously been included, although producers already thought that this should be seven months and this has been applied by the Regulatory Council. This paragraph also now includes the definition of muscle parts, which was previously included in the section entitled ‘Labelling’.

3.2.   Proof of origin:

This section has been rewritten in order to set out more clearly the control elements chosen by the Regulatory Council to serve as a basis in guaranteeing the quality and origin of the protected dried meats. Mention is thus made of the use of impenetrable seals at the start of production and determining the quality of the ‘Cecina de León’ by a panel of tasters.

3.3.   Method of production:

As the smoking process is optional, the minimum time for this has been deleted. The term ‘natural’, with reference to the dryers, has been removed because although they are currently all equipped with adjustable windows, in order to ensure high-quality, homogenous curing, they also use auxiliary systems to ensure correct climate control.

3.4.   Labelling:

It was noted that a large consumer collective for ‘Cecina de León’ in particular prizes those pieces which have been cured for longer and must be acknowledged in the market with guarantees of authenticity. Therefore, the possibility of attaching the comment ‘Reserva’ to those products proven to have been cured for longer than 12 months has been introduced. Moreover, it was considered unnecessary to mention the type of muscle concerned as their sensory characteristics are similar.

3.5.   National requirements:

The updated decree governing the handling of requests for registration in the community register is included.

The association requesting the proposed changes is the Regulatory Council of the PGI ‘Cecina de León’, the representative body for the sector which considers itself to be the legitimate party concerned by the amendments to the specification.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘CECINA DE LEÓN’

EC No: ES-PGI-0117-0103-04.06.2010

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1.   Name:

‘Cecina de León’

2.   Member State or third country:

Spain

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff:

3.1.   Type of product:

| Class 1.2. | Meat products (cooked, salted, smoked, etc.) |
| --- | --- |

Class 1.2.

Meat products (cooked, salted, smoked, etc.)

3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in point 1 applies:

‘Cecina de León’ is a cured meat product made from muscle parts known as centre leg, round, stifle and sirloin from the hind leg of adult beef cattle. These are subject to a production process lasting longer than seven months, which consists of salting, washing, resting and drying.

‘Cecina de León’ has the following characteristics:

| — | typical external appearance: the ‘cecina’ has a slightly dark toasted brownish colour as a result of the production process, |
| --- | --- |

—

typical external appearance: the ‘cecina’ has a slightly dark toasted brownish colour as a result of the production process,

| — | colour and appearance when cut: when cut the ‘cecina’ has typical shades which evolve from cherry red to pomegranate during the maturation process, and has slightly fatty seams which gives it its characteristic succulence, |
| --- | --- |

—

colour and appearance when cut: when cut the ‘cecina’ has typical shades which evolve from cherry red to pomegranate during the maturation process, and has slightly fatty seams which gives it its characteristic succulence,

| — | weight: the minimum weight for each of the cured pieces and the muscle parts of which they are made is as follows:






  — | centre leg: 4 kg. Full-bodied conical-shaped mass, flat on the edges. It is made up of the medial muscles of the thigh, that is, the sartorius muscle, the pectineous muscle, the gracilis muscle, the abductor muscle, the semimembranous muscle, the quadriceps and the extra-pelvic portion of the external obturator muscle, |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

weight: the minimum weight for each of the cured pieces and the muscle parts of which they are made is as follows:

—

centre leg: 4 kg. Full-bodied conical-shaped mass, flat on the edges. It is made up of the medial muscles of the thigh, that is, the sartorius muscle, the pectineous muscle, the gracilis muscle, the abductor muscle, the semimembranous muscle, the quadriceps and the extra-pelvic portion of the external obturator muscle,

| — | round: 5 kg. It is made up of the round itself and the eye of the round, which takes a slightly cylindrical, triangular prism shape. The eye of the round is made up exclusively of the hemiaponeurotic muscle and the round by the gluteobiceps muscle, |
| --- | --- |

—

round: 5 kg. It is made up of the round itself and the eye of the round, which takes a slightly cylindrical, triangular prism shape. The eye of the round is made up exclusively of the hemiaponeurotic muscle and the round by the gluteobiceps muscle,

| — | stifle: 3,5 kg. Ovoid-shaped piece, made up of the elements of the quadriceps of the thigh (right thigh muscle and Vastus lateralis, Vastus medialis and Vastus intermedius), |
| --- | --- |

—

stifle: 3,5 kg. Ovoid-shaped piece, made up of the elements of the quadriceps of the thigh (right thigh muscle and Vastus lateralis, Vastus medialis and Vastus intermedius),

| — | sirloin: 3 kg. Triangular-shaped, made up of the gluteus maximus muscle, gluteus medius muscle, gluteus minimus muscle and the twin muscles of the hip, |
| --- | --- |

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sirloin: 3 kg. Triangular-shaped, made up of the gluteus maximus muscle, gluteus medius muscle, gluteus minimus muscle and the twin muscles of the hip,

| — | taste and aroma: meat with a characteristic taste, slightly salted, with a slightly fibrous consistency. The smoking lends a characteristic aroma to the maturation process, accentuating the mixture of flavours. |
| --- | --- |

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taste and aroma: meat with a characteristic taste, slightly salted, with a slightly fibrous consistency. The smoking lends a characteristic aroma to the maturation process, accentuating the mixture of flavours.

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only):

The pieces used in the production of the protected dried meats must come from adult beef cattle. There is no restriction as to the provenance of the pieces.

3.4.   Feed (for products of animal origin only):

Not applicable.

3.5.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the defined geographical area:

In the defined geographical area only production of the dried meat takes place, which consists of the following operations on the pieces: shaping, salting, washing in water, resting, smoking (optional) and drying.

3.6.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc.:

Not applicable.

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling:

The pieces are presented whole, wrapped or packaged, in portions or vacuum-packed slices.

This product which is destined for consumption bears labels on which the abbreviations ‘PGI’ and ‘Cecina de León’ are clearly visible. Where the production process lasts a minimum of 12 months, the note ‘Reserva’ can also be added.

These materials are added in such a way that it is not possible to reuse them.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area:

The geographical area for producing ‘Cecina de León’ includes solely and exclusively the province of León.

5.   Link with the geographical area:

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area:

Because of its average high altitude (the whole area is above 700 m), the geographical area has an extreme climate with dry, very cold winters and an extended period of frost, conditions which facilitate the correct drying and curing of the pieces.

5.2.   Specificity of the product:

The specificity of ‘Cecina de León’ (colour, seams, succulence, low fibrosity, and above all its characteristic flavour), arises out of its production using meat from the hind legs of adult beef cattle and especially on account of its resting, smoking and drying in the altitude and climatic conditions of the province of León.

5.3.   Causal link between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product (for PGI):

The natural conditions of the geographical area, in particular the dry and cold climate in winter, allow the curing process for the meat to take place under optimum conditions.

Furthermore, its specific characteristics have afforded it an important renown and reputation, as explained below:

In Chapter 55 of his ‘Agricultural Treatise’, Lucio Junio Moderato Columela (4th century BC) already makes mention of ‘cecina’.

In the ‘General Agricultural Treatise’ of Gabriel Alonso de Herrera, ‘cecina’ and meat salting receive special attention, and in Chapter XL the possibility of salting other types of meat, including beef, is mentioned.

La ‘Picara Justina’ is an elucidating work of great literary value from the early part of the 17th century. The work is set for the most part in the province and capital of León, where we follow the misadventures of the main character, Justina. Justina's parents run an inn in Mansilla de las Mulas. Muleteers and travellers stop there. Amongst the meats on offer there, the dried beef (cecina de vacuno) is highlighted above the other meat products and sausages. ‘La Pícara Justina’ is a faithful testimony to the rural society of León at the time.

In his description of Antón Zotes, in the work ‘Fray Gerundio de Campazas’, Father Isla makes the first mention of the ‘Cecina de León’, referring to the quality and variety of the meals and their exceptional nature: ‘hombre de machorra’, ‘cecina’ and half wheat/half barley bread on normal days, with an onion or leek to finish off; beef and chorizo on holidays. His slice of bacon for breakfast and dinner. Félix María de Samaniego (1745-1801) also mentions ‘cecina’: ‘Their senses found there their enjoyment, walls and ceilings were decorated with a thousand tempting sweets, there were salami sausages, cured hams and dried meat (cecinas). They jumped for pure pleasure. Oh what ecstasy! From one cured ham to another, from one cheese to another ...’.

León historical archive, 1835 to 1839: during this five-year period, the City of León consumed 4 800‘arrobas’ of ‘cecina’ and in one year, 972 ‘arrobas’. According to the statistics provided by the Madoz dictionary, the consumption per inhabitant per year was estimated as follows: ‘the quantities consumed by an individual in one year is 0,137 arrobas’. This documentary information from the Madoz dictionary shows how the product differed from other fresh meat. It also shows how ‘cecinas’ from the villages contributed to municipal trade.

Enrique Gil y Carrasco, a poet and writer born in 1815, paints a picture of the customs in the León province in his numerous reports and articles. In one of them, entitled ‘The nomadic Shepherd’, he relates the life of shepherds, whom he calls ‘sons of the mountain’: In this article he recounts the shepherds taking leave of their families, before setting off up the slopes with the merino sheep: ‘The shepherd's lunch basket, generously filled with “cecina” and ham, will already be prepared for the next day’.

The beef ‘cecina’ in the fairs and markets of León: ‘The number of flocks is considerable in the province of León. In the pastures of León graze many cattle which, after working in the fields, because the workers only use mules in the southern part, provide meat in the markets of the provinces of León, Valladolid and Palencia. The cows and calves are sold to produce “cecina” at the fairs of los Santos y San Andrés de León and those of San Martín de Mansilla’.

Luis Alonso Luengo, in his book entitled ‘The Maragatos, their race and customs’ cites sources from the Marques de la Ensenada, which records the number of muleteers, coaches and mules assigned to each village in the province of León and other particular features of this trade: ‘It was a system which functioned perfectly. Each journey started in the village of origin and from there went to Corunna, Madrid and other places in Spain, transporting from town to town goods of all kinds, including beef “cecina”’.

Reference to the publication of the specification:

(Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

http://www.itacyl.es/opencms_wf/opencms/system/modules/es.jcyl.ita.extranet/elements/galleries/galeria_downloads/calidad/pliegos_IGP/IGP_Cecina_de_Leon.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

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