# Official Journal C 326/2013

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2013.326.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 326 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5612 November 2013 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2013.326.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 326

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5612 November 2013

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | IV   Notices |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 326/01 | Euro exchange rates | 1 |
| 2013/C 326/02 | Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive agreements and dominant position given at its meeting of 26 November 2012 regarding a draft decision relating to Case COMP/C.39654 — Thomson Reuters Instrument Codes — Rapporteur: Luxembourg | 2 |
| 2013/C 326/03 | Final report of the Hearing Officer — Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs) (COMP/39.654) | 3 |
| 2013/C 326/04 | Summary of Commission Decision of 20 December 2012 relating to a proceeding under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement (Case COMP/D2/39.654 — Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs)) (notified under document C(2012) 9635)
   (
  1
  ) | 4 |

Notice No

Contents

page

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2013/C 326/01

Euro exchange rates

1

2013/C 326/02

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive agreements and dominant position given at its meeting of 26 November 2012 regarding a draft decision relating to Case COMP/C.39654 — Thomson Reuters Instrument Codes — Rapporteur: Luxembourg

2

2013/C 326/03

Final report of the Hearing Officer — Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs) (COMP/39.654)

3

2013/C 326/04

Summary of Commission Decision of 20 December 2012 relating to a proceeding under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement (Case COMP/D2/39.654 — Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs)) (notified under document C(2012) 9635)
   (
  1
  )

(notified under document C(2012) 9635)

1

4

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 326/05 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.7065 — Triton/Bosch Rexroth Pneumatics Holding) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2013/C 326/06 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.7084 — Medtronic Vascular/Backston/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 8 |
| 2013/C 326/07 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.7010 — Bolton/Tri-Marine/JV) (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| 2013/C 326/08 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.7086 — Fondo Strategico Italiano/Ansaldo Energia) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 10 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 326/09 | Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 11 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2013/C 326/05

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.7065 — Triton/Bosch Rexroth Pneumatics Holding) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

7

2013/C 326/06

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.7084 — Medtronic Vascular/Backston/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

8

2013/C 326/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.7010 — Bolton/Tri-Marine/JV) (
  1
  )

1

9

2013/C 326/08

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.7086 — Fondo Strategico Italiano/Ansaldo Energia) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

10

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2013/C 326/09

Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

11

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (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

European Commission

| 12.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/1

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Euro exchange rates (1)

11 November 2013

2013/C 326/01

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3394 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 132,86 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4586 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,83810 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 8,7967 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2328 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,2065 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 26,996 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 297,29 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,7028 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,2045 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,4535 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,7286 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,4314 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4026 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,3843 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6262 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6720 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 436,57 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 13,8735 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,1587 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,6218 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 15 483,47 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,2858 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 58,420 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 43,8100 |
| THB | Thai baht | 42,359 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 3,1002 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 17,6466 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 84,7040 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3394

JPY

Japanese yen

132,86

DKK

Danish krone

7,4586

GBP

Pound sterling

0,83810

SEK

Swedish krona

8,7967

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2328

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,2065

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

26,996

HUF

Hungarian forint

297,29

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,7028

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2045

RON

Romanian leu

4,4535

TRY

Turkish lira

2,7286

AUD

Australian dollar

1,4314

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4026

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,3843

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6262

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6720

KRW

South Korean won

1 436,57

ZAR

South African rand

13,8735

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,1587

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,6218

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

15 483,47

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,2858

PHP

Philippine peso

58,420

RUB

Russian rouble

43,8100

THB

Thai baht

42,359

BRL

Brazilian real

3,1002

MXN

Mexican peso

17,6466

INR

Indian rupee

84,7040

---

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

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| 12.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/2

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Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive agreements and dominant position given at its meeting of 26 November 2012 regarding a draft decision relating to Case COMP/C.39654 — Thomson Reuters Instrument Codes

Rapporteur: Luxembourg

2013/C 326/02

| 1. | The Advisory Committee shares the Commission's concerns expressed in its draft decision as communicated to the Advisory Committee on 12 November 2012 under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’) and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Advisory Committee shares the Commission's concerns expressed in its draft decision as communicated to the Advisory Committee on 12 November 2012 under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’) and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement.

| 2. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the proceedings concerning Thomson Reuters can be concluded by means of a decision pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the proceedings concerning Thomson Reuters can be concluded by means of a decision pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003.

| 3. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the commitments offered by Thomson Reuters are suitable, necessary and proportionate and should be made legally binding on Thomson Reuters. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that the commitments offered by Thomson Reuters are suitable, necessary and proportionate and should be made legally binding on Thomson Reuters.

| 4. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that, in light of the commitments offered by Thomson Reuters, there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission against Thomson Reuters, without prejudice to Article 9(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the Commission that, in light of the commitments offered by Thomson Reuters, there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission against Thomson Reuters, without prejudice to Article 9(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003.

| 5. | The Advisory Committee asks the Commission to take into account any other points raised during the discussion. |
| --- | --- |

5.

The Advisory Committee asks the Commission to take into account any other points raised during the discussion.

| 6. | The Advisory Committee recommends the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

6.

The Advisory Committee recommends the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union.

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| 12.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/3

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Final report of the Hearing Officer (1)

Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs)

(COMP/39.654)

2013/C 326/03

| (1) | On 30 October 2009, the Commission decided to open proceedings against Thomson Reuters Corporation and companies under its direct or indirect control, including Reuters Limited (‘Thomson Reuters’) for alleged abuse of dominance in the world-wide market for consolidated real-time datafeeds. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 30 October 2009, the Commission decided to open proceedings against Thomson Reuters Corporation and companies under its direct or indirect control, including Reuters Limited (‘Thomson Reuters’) for alleged abuse of dominance in the world-wide market for consolidated real-time datafeeds.

| (2) | A preliminary assessment was adopted by the Commission on 19 September 2011 pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 (2) and notified to Thomson Reuters on 20 September 2011. The preliminary assessment concluded that Thomson Reuters was dominant in the world-wide market for consolidated real-time datafeeds and Thomson Reuters’ restrictive licensing practices as regards the use of Reuters Instrument Codes (‘RICs’) were in breach of Article 102 TFEU and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

A preliminary assessment was adopted by the Commission on 19 September 2011 pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 (2) and notified to Thomson Reuters on 20 September 2011. The preliminary assessment concluded that Thomson Reuters was dominant in the world-wide market for consolidated real-time datafeeds and Thomson Reuters’ restrictive licensing practices as regards the use of Reuters Instrument Codes (‘RICs’) were in breach of Article 102 TFEU and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement.

| (3) | On 8 November 2011, Thomson Reuters submitted a first commitments' proposal to address the concerns raised by the Commission in its preliminary assessment. On 14 December 2011, the Commission published a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union in accordance with Article 27(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, summarising the case, the commitments and inviting third parties to submit comments on Thomson Reuters's proposal (3). In response to the observations received Thomson Reuters submitted a revised commitment proposal on 27 June 2012. On 12 July 2012, the Commission launched a second market test and published the revised commitments (4). |
| --- | --- |

(3)

On 8 November 2011, Thomson Reuters submitted a first commitments' proposal to address the concerns raised by the Commission in its preliminary assessment. On 14 December 2011, the Commission published a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union in accordance with Article 27(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, summarising the case, the commitments and inviting third parties to submit comments on Thomson Reuters's proposal (3). In response to the observations received Thomson Reuters submitted a revised commitment proposal on 27 June 2012. On 12 July 2012, the Commission launched a second market test and published the revised commitments (4).

| (4) | Respondents criticised a number of aspects of the revised commitments. The Commission in its decision pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 makes binding upon Thomson Reuters the amended commitments offered by the latter on 7 November 2012 as revised in the light of the responses to the second market test and concludes that in light of the amended commitments offered, there are no longer grounds for action on its part. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Respondents criticised a number of aspects of the revised commitments. The Commission in its decision pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 makes binding upon Thomson Reuters the amended commitments offered by the latter on 7 November 2012 as revised in the light of the responses to the second market test and concludes that in light of the amended commitments offered, there are no longer grounds for action on its part.

| (5) | I have not received so far any request or complaint from any party to the proceedings in the present case (5). In view thereof, I consider that the effective exercise of the procedural rights of all parties in this case has been respected. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

I have not received so far any request or complaint from any party to the proceedings in the present case (5). In view thereof, I consider that the effective exercise of the procedural rights of all parties in this case has been respected.

Brussels, 29 November 2012.

Michael ALBERS

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(1)  Pursuant to Articles 16 and 17 of Decision 2011/695/EU of the President of the European Commission of 13 October 2011 on the function and terms of reference of the hearing officer in certain competition proceedings, OJ L 275, 20.10.2011, p. 29 (‘Decision 2011/695/EU’).

1

(2)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 of 16 December 2002 on the implementation of the rules on competition laid down in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty, OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 1.

2

(3)  Communication from the Commission published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case COMP/39.654 — Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs) (OJ C 364, 14.12.2011, p. 21).

3

(4)  Communication from the Commission published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case COMP/39.654 — Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs) (OJ C 204, 12.7.2012, p. 44).

4

(5)  In accordance to Article 15(1) of Decision 2011/695/EU, parties to the proceedings offering commitments pursuant to Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 may call upon the hearing officer at any stage of the procedure in order to ensure the effective exercise of their procedural rights.

5

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| 12.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/4 |
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12.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/4

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Summary of Commission Decision

of 20 December 2012

relating to a proceeding under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement

(Case COMP/D2/39.654 — Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs))

(notified under document C(2012) 9635)

(Only the English text is authentic)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 326/04

On 20 December 2012, the Commission adopted a decision relating to a proceeding under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. In accordance with the provisions of Article 30 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003
   (1), the Commission herewith publishes the names of the parties and the main content of the decision, including any penalties imposed, having regard to the legitimate interest of undertakings in the protection of their business secrets.

| (1) | On 30 October 2009, the Commission decided to open proceedings against Thomson Reuters Corporation and companies under its direct or indirect control, including Reuters Limited (‘Thomson Reuters’) for alleged abuse of dominance in the worldwide market for consolidated real-time datafeeds. A preliminary assessment was adopted by the Commission on 19 September 2011 pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 (2) and notified to Thomson Reuters on 20 September 2011. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 30 October 2009, the Commission decided to open proceedings against Thomson Reuters Corporation and companies under its direct or indirect control, including Reuters Limited (‘Thomson Reuters’) for alleged abuse of dominance in the worldwide market for consolidated real-time datafeeds. A preliminary assessment was adopted by the Commission on 19 September 2011 pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 (2) and notified to Thomson Reuters on 20 September 2011.

| (2) | Thomson Reuters is a global provider of financial information for professionals in the financial services sector. According to the preliminary assessment, Thomson Reuters is dominant in the worldwide market for consolidated real-time datafeeds. Thomson Reuters may have abused its dominant position by imposing certain restrictions as regards the use of Reuters Instrument Codes (‘RICs’). RICs are short, alphanumerical codes developed by TR that identify securities and their trading locations. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Thomson Reuters is a global provider of financial information for professionals in the financial services sector. According to the preliminary assessment, Thomson Reuters is dominant in the worldwide market for consolidated real-time datafeeds. Thomson Reuters may have abused its dominant position by imposing certain restrictions as regards the use of Reuters Instrument Codes (‘RICs’). RICs are short, alphanumerical codes developed by TR that identify securities and their trading locations.

| (3) | Thomson Reuters prohibits its customers from using RICs to retrieve data from consolidated real-time datafeeds of other providers and prevents third parties from creating and maintaining mapping tables incorporating RICs that would allow the systems of Thomson Reuters’ customers to interoperate with consolidated real-time datafeeds of other providers. The Commission has reached the preliminary conclusion that these practices create substantial barriers to switching datafeed providers and constitute an abuse of a dominant position under Article 102 of the Treaty and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Thomson Reuters prohibits its customers from using RICs to retrieve data from consolidated real-time datafeeds of other providers and prevents third parties from creating and maintaining mapping tables incorporating RICs that would allow the systems of Thomson Reuters’ customers to interoperate with consolidated real-time datafeeds of other providers. The Commission has reached the preliminary conclusion that these practices create substantial barriers to switching datafeed providers and constitute an abuse of a dominant position under Article 102 of the Treaty and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement.

| (4) | Thomson Reuters disagrees with the Commission’s preliminary assessment, but has nevertheless offered commitments pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 to address the Commission’s competition concerns. On 8 November 2011, Thomson Reuters submitted a first commitments proposal to address the concerns raised by the Commission in its preliminary assessment. On 14 December 2011, the Commission published a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union in accordance with Article 27(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, summarising the case, the commitments and inviting third parties to submit comments on Thomson Reuters's proposal (3). In response to the observations received, Thomson Reuters, submitted a revised commitment proposal on 27 June 2012. On 12 July 2012, the Commission launched a second market test and published the amended commitments (4). |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Thomson Reuters disagrees with the Commission’s preliminary assessment, but has nevertheless offered commitments pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 to address the Commission’s competition concerns. On 8 November 2011, Thomson Reuters submitted a first commitments proposal to address the concerns raised by the Commission in its preliminary assessment. On 14 December 2011, the Commission published a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union in accordance with Article 27(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, summarising the case, the commitments and inviting third parties to submit comments on Thomson Reuters's proposal (3). In response to the observations received, Thomson Reuters, submitted a revised commitment proposal on 27 June 2012. On 12 July 2012, the Commission launched a second market test and published the amended commitments (4).

| (5) | On 7 November 2012, Thomson Reuters provided revised commitments (‘proposed commitments’). The proposed commitments consist of the offering of a licence (an ERL) to customers that, at the time of applying for the ERL, are subscribed to a TR consolidated real-time datafeed Service and will cover all applications licensed under the TR consolidated real-time datafeed service. This includes server-based applications and associated downstream individual user applications (View Charge Interface) for the purpose of viewing, validating and manipulating distributed data. In the case of global datafeed licences, the proposed commitments relate to all internal applications (including any desktop-based applications) licenced under such a global datafeed licence. The proposed commitments do not cover the use of real-time market data licensed for individual use as part of a Thomson Reuters packaged desktop service (5). |
| --- | --- |

(5)

On 7 November 2012, Thomson Reuters provided revised commitments (‘proposed commitments’). The proposed commitments consist of the offering of a licence (an ERL) to customers that, at the time of applying for the ERL, are subscribed to a TR consolidated real-time datafeed Service and will cover all applications licensed under the TR consolidated real-time datafeed service. This includes server-based applications and associated downstream individual user applications (View Charge Interface) for the purpose of viewing, validating and manipulating distributed data. In the case of global datafeed licences, the proposed commitments relate to all internal applications (including any desktop-based applications) licenced under such a global datafeed licence. The proposed commitments do not cover the use of real-time market data licensed for individual use as part of a Thomson Reuters packaged desktop service (5).

| (6) | The ERL gives customers the possibility to license additional RIC symbology usage rights for the purpose of switching providers of consolidated real-time datafeeds. This license allows them, for a monthly licence fee, to use RICs to retrieve real-time financial data from consolidated real-time datafeeds sourced from Thomson Reuters' competitors for the purpose of switching some or all of their server-based applications and desktop-based applications to alternative consolidated real-time datafeed providers. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The ERL gives customers the possibility to license additional RIC symbology usage rights for the purpose of switching providers of consolidated real-time datafeeds. This license allows them, for a monthly licence fee, to use RICs to retrieve real-time financial data from consolidated real-time datafeeds sourced from Thomson Reuters' competitors for the purpose of switching some or all of their server-based applications and desktop-based applications to alternative consolidated real-time datafeed providers.

| (7) | In addition, under the proposed commitments, Thomson Reuters will provide ERL licensees with regular and timely updates of the relevant RICs including, where applicable, the necessary cross-referencing information linked to the RIC, for example: relevant trading venue, source, official code, currency or description. These updates will be made available with the same frequency as updates provided to Thomson Reuters’ customers. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

In addition, under the proposed commitments, Thomson Reuters will provide ERL licensees with regular and timely updates of the relevant RICs including, where applicable, the necessary cross-referencing information linked to the RIC, for example: relevant trading venue, source, official code, currency or description. These updates will be made available with the same frequency as updates provided to Thomson Reuters’ customers.

| (8) | The proposed commitments cover customers that will switch away from Thomson Reuters consolidated real-time datafeeds to an alternative consolidated real-time datafeed (full switch); and customers that will subscribe to a third party consolidated real-time datafeed in addition to the TR consolidated real-time datafeed service without switching away from the latter (partial switch). Customers will not be obliged to subscribe or to continue to subscribe to any Thomson Reuters data or other services after subscribing to the ERL. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The proposed commitments cover customers that will switch away from Thomson Reuters consolidated real-time datafeeds to an alternative consolidated real-time datafeed (full switch); and customers that will subscribe to a third party consolidated real-time datafeed in addition to the TR consolidated real-time datafeed service without switching away from the latter (partial switch). Customers will not be obliged to subscribe or to continue to subscribe to any Thomson Reuters data or other services after subscribing to the ERL.

| (9) | The ERL will be available for subscription to Thomson Reuters’ customers for a period of five years from the commencement date (6). Instead of subscribing to the ERL within the initial five-year period, a customer may purchase, for USD 150 per month, an option to subscribe to the ERL. This option can be exercised within two years after the initial five-year period. Thus, under the proposed commitments, Thomson Reuters’ customers will essentially have a seven-year period in which to subscribe to the ERL. Upon subscription, the ERL is granted to customers in perpetuity, subject to payment of the relevant fee. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The ERL will be available for subscription to Thomson Reuters’ customers for a period of five years from the commencement date (6). Instead of subscribing to the ERL within the initial five-year period, a customer may purchase, for USD 150 per month, an option to subscribe to the ERL. This option can be exercised within two years after the initial five-year period. Thus, under the proposed commitments, Thomson Reuters’ customers will essentially have a seven-year period in which to subscribe to the ERL. Upon subscription, the ERL is granted to customers in perpetuity, subject to payment of the relevant fee.

| (10) | The proposed licence can be used worldwide provided that the customer has genuine business operations in the EEA. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The proposed licence can be used worldwide provided that the customer has genuine business operations in the EEA.

| (11) | The proposed commitments allow third party developers to develop and maintain a switching tool. Subject to a monthly license fee, third party developers can use and keep RICs in the switching tools they develop. The third party developer rights are set out in a separate license which is included in Annex II to the proposed commitments. Third party developers may obtain support from alternative vendors of consolidated real-time datafeeds in mapping to that vendor’s symbology and may engage in information sharing (with the exclusion of RICs) and close cooperation in relation to the design, build, maintenance, selling and advertising of the switching tool. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The proposed commitments allow third party developers to develop and maintain a switching tool. Subject to a monthly license fee, third party developers can use and keep RICs in the switching tools they develop. The third party developer rights are set out in a separate license which is included in Annex II to the proposed commitments. Third party developers may obtain support from alternative vendors of consolidated real-time datafeeds in mapping to that vendor’s symbology and may engage in information sharing (with the exclusion of RICs) and close cooperation in relation to the design, build, maintenance, selling and advertising of the switching tool.

| (12) | Eligible third party developers exclude any vendor, re-seller or re-distributor of market data that requires symbology for identification and navigation as well as any developer that is directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such a vendor, re-seller or re-distributor of market data. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Eligible third party developers exclude any vendor, re-seller or re-distributor of market data that requires symbology for identification and navigation as well as any developer that is directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such a vendor, re-seller or re-distributor of market data.

| (13) | Thomson Reuters will appoint, subject to approval by the Commission, a monitoring trustee to monitor Thomson Reuters’ compliance with the proposed commitments, for a period of seven years from the commencement date. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Thomson Reuters will appoint, subject to approval by the Commission, a monitoring trustee to monitor Thomson Reuters’ compliance with the proposed commitments, for a period of seven years from the commencement date.

| (14) | The Commission considers that the proposed commitments are sufficient to address the identified competition concerns. In its Decision of 20 December 2012 pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 the proposed commitments were made binding on Thomson Reuters. The Decision also finds that in view of the commitments, there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

The Commission considers that the proposed commitments are sufficient to address the identified competition concerns. In its Decision of 20 December 2012 pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 the proposed commitments were made binding on Thomson Reuters. The Decision also finds that in view of the commitments, there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission.

| (15) | On 26 November 2012, the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions was consulted. On 29 November 2012, the Hearing Officer issued his final report. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

On 26 November 2012, the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions was consulted. On 29 November 2012, the Hearing Officer issued his final report.

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(1)  OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 411/2004 (OJ L 68, 6.3.2004, p. 1).

(2)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 of 16 December 2002 on the implementation of the rules on competition laid down in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty (OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 1).

(3)  Communication from the Commission published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case COMP/39.654 — Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs) (OJ C 364, 14.12.2011, p. 21).

(4)  Communication from the Commission published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case COMP/39.654 — Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs) (OJ C 204, 12.7.2012, p. 44).

(5)  Any commercial offering which entitles the customer to individual use of content including (without limitation) market data in addition to the use of an associated desktop software package (irrespective of whether the customer chooses to use some or all of the content of the consolidated real-time datafeed, or some or all of the desktop software package). Thomson Reuters licenses packaged desktop services under separate commercial and usage restrictions from the TR consolidated real-time datafeed services such as: (i) 3000Xtra; (ii) Eikon; (iii) Trader; (iv) Station; (v) Thomson One along with their variants and associated licences; and (vi) remaining licences of the legacy Thomson Reuters 2000 or 3000 service to the extent not licensed on a substantially similar basis to the RT service.

(6)  The date which is no longer than six months from the date on which Thomson Reuters is notified of the European Commission's final decision under Article 9 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003.

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 12.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/7

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.7065 — Triton/Bosch Rexroth Pneumatics Holding)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 326/05

| 1. | On 4 November 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Triton Managers IV Limited and TFF IV Limited in their capacity as general partners of Triton Fund IV, part of the Triton Group (‘Triton’, United Kingdom) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Bosch Rexroth Pneumatic Holding BV (‘Bosch Rexroth’, Germany) by way of purchase of all shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 4 November 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Triton Managers IV Limited and TFF IV Limited in their capacity as general partners of Triton Fund IV, part of the Triton Group (‘Triton’, United Kingdom) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Bosch Rexroth Pneumatic Holding BV (‘Bosch Rexroth’, Germany) by way of purchase of all shares.

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






  — | for Triton: active in investing in medium sized businesses having their headquarter in Northern Europe, and in particular in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the Nordic Countries, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Triton: active in investing in medium sized businesses having their headquarter in Northern Europe, and in particular in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the Nordic Countries,

| — | for Bosch Rexroth: holding company of the Bosch Rexroth Pneumatic Business active in pneumatic technology, in particular for industrial applications, and in the truck, marine and tooth chain segment. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Bosch Rexroth: holding company of the Bosch Rexroth Pneumatic Business active in pneumatic technology, in particular for industrial applications, and in the truck, marine and tooth chain segment.

| 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.7065 — Triton/Bosch Rexroth Pneumatics Holding, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 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.7065 — Triton/Bosch Rexroth Pneumatics Holding, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

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’).

---

| 12.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/8

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.7084 — Medtronic Vascular/Backston/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 326/06

| 1. | On 5 November 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Medtronic Vascular Holdings (Ireland), controlled by Medtronic Inc. (‘Medtronic’, USA), and Backston Management Limited (Cyprus), ultimately controlled by Renova Investment Group Ltd (‘Renova Group’, Russian Federation), acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the whole of LLC Stentex (‘Stentex’, Russian Federation) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 5 November 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Medtronic Vascular Holdings (Ireland), controlled by Medtronic Inc. (‘Medtronic’, USA), and Backston Management Limited (Cyprus), ultimately controlled by Renova Investment Group Ltd (‘Renova Group’, Russian Federation), acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the whole of LLC Stentex (‘Stentex’, Russian Federation) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | Medtronic is active globally in the development and licensing of intellectual property rights in connection with medical technology and medical devices, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

Medtronic is active globally in the development and licensing of intellectual property rights in connection with medical technology and medical devices,

| — | Renova Group is a business group that consists of asset management and direct portfolio investment funds owning and managing assets in metals, mining, machine building, construction development, energy, telecommunications, etc. in Russia, Europe, South Africa and the US, |
| --- | --- |

—

Renova Group is a business group that consists of asset management and direct portfolio investment funds owning and managing assets in metals, mining, machine building, construction development, energy, telecommunications, etc. in Russia, Europe, South Africa and the US,

| — | Stentex will manufacture and sell cardiovascular medical products (in particular coronary stents and their related delivery systems) in the Russian Federation and potentially in Belarus and Kazakhstan. |
| --- | --- |

—

Stentex will manufacture and sell cardiovascular medical products (in particular coronary stents and their related delivery systems) in the Russian Federation and potentially in Belarus and Kazakhstan.

| 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.7084 — Medtronic Vascular/Backston/JV, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 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.7084 — Medtronic Vascular/Backston/JV, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

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’).

---

| 12.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/9

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.7010 — Bolton/Tri-Marine/JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 326/07

| 1. | On 4 November 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Bolton Group International Srl (‘Bolton’, Italy) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the undertakings Tri-Marine Holdings Coöperatief UA (Netherlands), Tri Marine US Holdings, LLC (United States), Cape Fisheries Holdings, LP (United States) and CFH GP, LLC (United States), forming the Tri Marine group, by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 4 November 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Bolton Group International Srl (‘Bolton’, Italy) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the undertakings Tri-Marine Holdings Coöperatief UA (Netherlands), Tri Marine US Holdings, LLC (United States), Cape Fisheries Holdings, LP (United States) and CFH GP, LLC (United States), forming the Tri Marine group, by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | Bolton produces mass consumption products in the following industries: (i) food, (ii) household care, (iii) personal and health, (iv) beauty care, (v) adhesives and glues. In the food sector, Bolton is mainly active in the canned seafood business, namely in the production and sale of canned tuna and other canned pelagic fish products, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

Bolton produces mass consumption products in the following industries: (i) food, (ii) household care, (iii) personal and health, (iv) beauty care, (v) adhesives and glues. In the food sector, Bolton is mainly active in the canned seafood business, namely in the production and sale of canned tuna and other canned pelagic fish products,

| — | The Tri Marine group is active in the canned seafood supply chain, namely in the fishing, trading and processing of tuna and other pelagic fish. |
| --- | --- |

—

The Tri Marine group is active in the canned seafood supply chain, namely in the fishing, trading and processing of tuna and other pelagic fish.

| 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.7010 — Bolton/Tri-Marine/JV, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 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.7010 — Bolton/Tri-Marine/JV, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

---

| 12.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/10

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.7086 — Fondo Strategico Italiano/Ansaldo Energia)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 326/08

| 1. | On 4 November 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Fondo Strategico Italiano (‘FSI’, Italy) controlled by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA (‘CDP’, Italy) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of the undertaking Ansaldo Energia (‘AEN’, Italy) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 4 November 2013, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Fondo Strategico Italiano (‘FSI’, Italy) controlled by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA (‘CDP’, Italy) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of the undertaking Ansaldo Energia (‘AEN’, Italy) by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for FSI: holding company whose corporate mission is to support economic growth and infrastructure development in Italy, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for FSI: holding company whose corporate mission is to support economic growth and infrastructure development in Italy,

| — | for AEN: power generation systems and components. |
| --- | --- |

—

for AEN: power generation systems and components.

| 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.7086 — Fondo Strategico Italiano/Ansaldo Energia, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 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.7086 — Fondo Strategico Italiano/Ansaldo Energia, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

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’).

---

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 12.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 326/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 326/11

---

Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

2013/C 326/09

This publication confers the right to object to the amendment application in accordance with Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

AMENDMENT APPLICATION

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs
   (2)

AMENDMENT APPLICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 9

‘QUESO DE MURCIA AL VINO’

EC No: ES-PDO-0105-01061-12.11.2012

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

1.   Heading in the specification affected by the amendment

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

—



Name of product

—

☒

Description of product

—



Geographical area

—

☒

Proof of origin

—

☒

Method of production

—

☒

Link

—

☒

Labelling

—

☒

National requirements

—



Other (to be specified)

2.   Type of amendment

| — | ☒ | 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. |
| — |  | Temporary amendment to Specification resulting from imposition of obligatory sanitary or phytosanitary measures by public authorities. |

—

☒

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.

—



Temporary amendment to Specification resulting from imposition of obligatory sanitary or phytosanitary measures by public authorities.

3.   Amendments

Introduction

The specification for the protected denomination of origin ‘Queso de Murcia’ has been separated from that for the protected denomination of origin ‘Queso de Murcia al vino’. The texts that do not relate to the denomination at hand (‘Queso de Murcia al vino’) have been removed from the new specification.

The amendments made and the reasons for them are given below.

Description of product

| — | Raw material: milk






  — | The requirements for the bacterial load and the presence of pharmacologically active substances are adapted to meet the requirements set out in the applicable legislation. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Raw material: milk

—

The requirements for the bacterial load and the presence of pharmacologically active substances are adapted to meet the requirements set out in the applicable legislation.

| — | The reference to the constituent properties of the milk ‘on the farm’ is deleted, given that the requirements defined are those that must be met by the milk as a raw material intended for the production of protected cheeses and these requirements must be met at all times, whether the milk is on the farm or in the cheese dairies. |
| --- | --- |

—

The reference to the constituent properties of the milk ‘on the farm’ is deleted, given that the requirements defined are those that must be met by the milk as a raw material intended for the production of protected cheeses and these requirements must be met at all times, whether the milk is on the farm or in the cheese dairies.

| — | The minimum fat content of the milk is reduced from 5 % to 4,7 %.
  The fat content of Murcian goat milk from livestock farms in the Murcia region of Granada decreases gradually during the first six months of the year and reaches its lowest level (4,7 %) in July.
  Milk production on the 176 goat farms on the Regulatory Council's register of livestock holdings increased to 17 914 841 litres in 2012. Only 3 127 613 litres of this are made into the PDO cheese, provided that tests show that it has a fat content of at least 5 % as required by the original Specification.
  This amendment is proposed on the basis of a future scenario, anticipating that the continued growth in production of these cheeses seen in recent years will require increasing quantities of milk from these livestock farms. Furthermore, we must mention the fact that the original Specification aptly prescribed a 5 % minimum fat content, but this is the average amount for this breed of goat for the whole year. This is a very generic figure and we can affirm that it neither describes nor makes any allowance for the cyclical evolution of the fat content that normally can reach minimum values close to the figure indicated in this request for amendment. |
| --- | --- |

—

The minimum fat content of the milk is reduced from 5 % to 4,7 %.

The fat content of Murcian goat milk from livestock farms in the Murcia region of Granada decreases gradually during the first six months of the year and reaches its lowest level (4,7 %) in July.

Milk production on the 176 goat farms on the Regulatory Council's register of livestock holdings increased to 17 914 841 litres in 2012. Only 3 127 613 litres of this are made into the PDO cheese, provided that tests show that it has a fat content of at least 5 % as required by the original Specification.

This amendment is proposed on the basis of a future scenario, anticipating that the continued growth in production of these cheeses seen in recent years will require increasing quantities of milk from these livestock farms. Furthermore, we must mention the fact that the original Specification aptly prescribed a 5 % minimum fat content, but this is the average amount for this breed of goat for the whole year. This is a very generic figure and we can affirm that it neither describes nor makes any allowance for the cyclical evolution of the fat content that normally can reach minimum values close to the figure indicated in this request for amendment.

| — | The acidity is only measured by the pH, as this is more accurate than measuring the degree on the Dornic scale. |
| --- | --- |

—

The acidity is only measured by the pH, as this is more accurate than measuring the degree on the Dornic scale.

| — | Finished product:
  The size of the cheeses is increased to adapt to the new demands of the market. To make this increase, a new analysis was conducted to study the lower and upper extremes of the new range presented (drawn up using the new parameters defined in point E of the new specifications ‘Method of production’), which showed that the physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics required by the original specification are met. |
| --- | --- |

—

Finished product:

The size of the cheeses is increased to adapt to the new demands of the market. To make this increase, a new analysis was conducted to study the lower and upper extremes of the new range presented (drawn up using the new parameters defined in point E of the new specifications ‘Method of production’), which showed that the physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics required by the original specification are met.

Physical characteristics

To adapt to the new sizes allowed, the new specification requires the following:

| — | Weight: From 300 g to 2,6 kg. |
| --- | --- |

—

Weight: From 300 g to 2,6 kg.

| — | Maximum diameter: 190 mm. |
| --- | --- |

—

Maximum diameter: 190 mm.

| — | Maximum height: 100 mm. |
| --- | --- |

—

Maximum height: 100 mm.

| — | Diameter/height ratio: 1,5 minimum-2,2 maximum. |
| --- | --- |

—

Diameter/height ratio: 1,5 minimum-2,2 maximum.

These characteristics summarise and simplify the information in the original specification. They establish the maximum diameter and height for the pieces of cheese, introducing the diameter/height ratio to ensure the proportionality of the cheeses.

The diameter/height ration (1,5-2,2) described also comes from the ratio between the minimum and maximum heights (7-9 cm) and the diameter (12-18 cm) of the original specification. This ratio ensures that the cheese retains the shape of the original, regardless of what size mould individual cheese dairies use, provided that it weighs between 300 g and 2 600 g.

We enclose a supporting study from the University of Murcia, ‘Appraisal report on the proposed amendments to the physical characteristics of PDO Murcian wine cheese’, which concluded that the new formats retain the original chemical and organoleptic characteristics.

Organoleptic characteristics

The section on the organoleptic characteristics has been expanded to include a more detailed description of the rind and body.

The new specification is expanded and amended with the following description:

| | RIND:






  — | Consistency: firm. |
| --- | --- | --- |

RIND:

—

Consistency: firm.

| — | Colour: Maroon-violet. |
| --- | --- |

—

Colour: Maroon-violet.

| — | Appearance: smooth rind (without imprints), fine and without cracks, straight or slightly curved sides. |
| --- | --- |

—

Appearance: smooth rind (without imprints), fine and without cracks, straight or slightly curved sides.

| | BODY:






  — | Consistency: firm and elastic. |
| --- | --- | --- |

BODY:

—

Consistency: firm and elastic.

| — | Texture: uniform, creamy, unctuous and without any graininess. |
| --- | --- |

—

Texture: uniform, creamy, unctuous and without any graininess.

| — | Appearance/Structure: the body may have no holes or sometimes have holes of mechanical origin. |
| --- | --- |

—

Appearance/Structure: the body may have no holes or sometimes have holes of mechanical origin.

| — | Colour: matt white with shades ranging from ivory to yellowish-brown in the most cured pieces. |
| --- | --- |

—

Colour: matt white with shades ranging from ivory to yellowish-brown in the most cured pieces.

| — | Aroma: average-to-low intensity. Lactic and animal (goat) notes. The aroma of red wine or wine cellar can be detected in the outer part of the rind. |
| --- | --- |

—

Aroma: average-to-low intensity. Lactic and animal (goat) notes. The aroma of red wine or wine cellar can be detected in the outer part of the rind.

| — | Taste: low-to-medium intensity, but persistent. Average acidity and salty base notes. It may have notes of fresh lactic aromas (goat's milk, cream/butter). The acidity diminishes with age, unlike the saltiness and flavour which grow stronger. |
| --- | --- |

—

Taste: low-to-medium intensity, but persistent. Average acidity and salty base notes. It may have notes of fresh lactic aromas (goat's milk, cream/butter). The acidity diminishes with age, unlike the saltiness and flavour which grow stronger.

Elements guaranteeing that the product originates in the area

The following requirement is introduced to preserve the product's origin at all times:

‘The cheese dairies must have production systems that prevent crosses with other products’.

Likewise, the maturation and storage rooms are required to keep this product duly labelled and separated from other cheeses not covered by this protected designation of origin.

A reference is made to the quantity of secondary labels used by the cheese-making companies based on the quantity, size of cheese produced and the forms in which it is sold (whole cheese, portions, sliced and grated).

Description of the method for obtaining the product

Description of the method for obtaining the product

The specification of the protected designation of origin for ‘Queso de Murcia al vino’ defines, on the basis of the established breed standard, the morphological requirements that must be met by the she-goats of the Murcian breed whose milk is intended for the production of cheeses covered by this designation. Genetic drift was not taken into account at the time of writing the original specification, which makes it necessary to introduce a qualification in the new specification allowing 3 % morphological defects in the Murcian breed due to genetic drift.

Amendments to describe the method of production in more detail

Amendments to describe the method of production in more detail

| — | The restriction on the frequency of milking to once a day is removed. This is due to the technological advances that have been made in recent years in the milking equipment and the milk quality control systems which allow these goats to be milked twice a day like any other breed of milk-producing goat or sheep. |
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The restriction on the frequency of milking to once a day is removed. This is due to the technological advances that have been made in recent years in the milking equipment and the milk quality control systems which allow these goats to be milked twice a day like any other breed of milk-producing goat or sheep.

| — | To describe the method of working in more detail, a description of the draining stage is added to the stage on working the curd. The following paragraph is added:

  ‘After working the curd, the resulting whey is drained off, leaving the curd ready for the moulding stage.’. |
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To describe the method of working in more detail, a description of the draining stage is added to the stage on working the curd. The following paragraph is added:

‘After working the curd, the resulting whey is drained off, leaving the curd ready for the moulding stage.’.

The term ‘correct’ is deleted from the reference to the consistency of the curd, as it is not a specific requirement.

| — | The possible ways of putting the curd into the moulds are defined: ‘by manual or mechanical means’. |
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The possible ways of putting the curd into the moulds are defined: ‘by manual or mechanical means’.

| — | A section on removing the cheese from the mould is added to describe the process in more detail:

  ‘Removing the cheese from the mould. Once the time needed for pressing the curd has elapsed, the cheeses are removed from the moulds’. |
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A section on removing the cheese from the mould is added to describe the process in more detail:

‘Removing the cheese from the mould. Once the time needed for pressing the curd has elapsed, the cheeses are removed from the moulds’.

| — | The maturation phase defines, along with the turning and washing phases, the bathing of the cheese in wine during maturation. It also sets the minimum time for maturation for pieces of 500 g or less at 30 days. |
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The maturation phase defines, along with the turning and washing phases, the bathing of the cheese in wine during maturation. It also sets the minimum time for maturation for pieces of 500 g or less at 30 days.

| — | In the maturation phase of the Murcian wine cheese, the cheese is bathed in red wines produced in the Region of Murcia and covered by some of its recognised geographical indications, including the Monastrell variety which is the most representative and typical of the area. According a review of various literature sources, these wines are characterised by their strong colour, generally an intense red-purple with touches of violet, and their high level of chemical components such as tannins, polyphenols and anthocyanins which are ultimately responsible for giving the cheese rind its characteristic colour and taste. The reference to ‘doble pasta’ in the specification is removed, because this characteristic is not defined or typified in the relevant legislation. In practice, each cheese dairy regulates the number of wine baths, the time the cheeses spend in the bath and how often the wine is changed, seeking empirically to optimise the combination of these factors to achieve the desired result with regard to the colour and aroma of the rind, according to the requirements defined in the specification. |
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In the maturation phase of the Murcian wine cheese, the cheese is bathed in red wines produced in the Region of Murcia and covered by some of its recognised geographical indications, including the Monastrell variety which is the most representative and typical of the area. According a review of various literature sources, these wines are characterised by their strong colour, generally an intense red-purple with touches of violet, and their high level of chemical components such as tannins, polyphenols and anthocyanins which are ultimately responsible for giving the cheese rind its characteristic colour and taste. The reference to ‘doble pasta’ in the specification is removed, because this characteristic is not defined or typified in the relevant legislation. In practice, each cheese dairy regulates the number of wine baths, the time the cheeses spend in the bath and how often the wine is changed, seeking empirically to optimise the combination of these factors to achieve the desired result with regard to the colour and aroma of the rind, according to the requirements defined in the specification.

Amendments to the method of production

Amendments to the method of production

| — | The reference to the milk being filtered has been removed as the present milking system includes a filter, so this stage is no longer necessary. The same applies for milk discharged and stored in a tank and subsequently pasteurised, as the tanks and pasteurising equipment have filters to eliminate the impurities in the milk. |
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The reference to the milk being filtered has been removed as the present milking system includes a filter, so this stage is no longer necessary. The same applies for milk discharged and stored in a tank and subsequently pasteurised, as the tanks and pasteurising equipment have filters to eliminate the impurities in the milk.

| — | The time for curdling is reduced from 40 to 60 minutes to 30 to 60 minutes. The reason for the change is:






  — | The existence of new rennets on the market with different degrees of intensity and more active lactic fermenting agents. |
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The time for curdling is reduced from 40 to 60 minutes to 30 to 60 minutes. The reason for the change is:

—

The existence of new rennets on the market with different degrees of intensity and more active lactic fermenting agents.

| — | The slight changes to the milk's composition (fat and protein content) depend on the point on the lactation curve when the milk was produced. |
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The slight changes to the milk's composition (fat and protein content) depend on the point on the lactation curve when the milk was produced.

| — | At the cutting of the curd stage, the size of the curd grains obtained when the curd is cut is no longer specified, this being considered a criterion which each industry must establish depending on the process it uses. In any case, the end product must meet the requirements set out in the specification. |
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At the cutting of the curd stage, the size of the curd grains obtained when the curd is cut is no longer specified, this being considered a criterion which each industry must establish depending on the process it uses. In any case, the end product must meet the requirements set out in the specification.

| — | The time for pressing is reduced from 2 to 4 hours to 1 to 4 hours. The reason for the change is that the new smaller sizes of cheeses need less time for pressing. |
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The time for pressing is reduced from 2 to 4 hours to 1 to 4 hours. The reason for the change is that the new smaller sizes of cheeses need less time for pressing.

| — | The requirement for a maximum saline concentration of 20° Bé maximum is removed. The length of time the product is kept in the salty brine is maintained and the concentration of the brine is at the operator's discretion, provided that the end product meets the requirements set out in the specification. |
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The requirement for a maximum saline concentration of 20° Bé maximum is removed. The length of time the product is kept in the salty brine is maintained and the concentration of the brine is at the operator's discretion, provided that the end product meets the requirements set out in the specification.

| — | The relative humidity of the maturation rooms has been adapted to current working methods, moving from a minimum of 80 % to 70-90 %, without this affecting the requirements for the end product set out in the specification. |
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The relative humidity of the maturation rooms has been adapted to current working methods, moving from a minimum of 80 % to 70-90 %, without this affecting the requirements for the end product set out in the specification.

Amendments in line with the applicable legislation

Amendments in line with the applicable legislation

| — | The storage temperature and systems used for collecting and transporting the milk must comply with the requirements of the relevant legislation (transport in refrigerated bulk tankers and the temperature in the tank must be ≤ 6 °C). |
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The storage temperature and systems used for collecting and transporting the milk must comply with the requirements of the relevant legislation (transport in refrigerated bulk tankers and the temperature in the tank must be ≤ 6 °C).

| — | The enzymes used in the curd change from those accepted by the Inspection Body to must comply with the relevant legislation (approval number and certified for food use). |
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The enzymes used in the curd change from those accepted by the Inspection Body to must comply with the relevant legislation (approval number and certified for food use).

| — | The different moulds available on the market and allowed by the relevant legislation (approval number and certified for food use) can be used without prior approval of the Inspection Body, provided that they are a suitable size so that the cheeses have the defined shape, dimensions and weight after maturation. |
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The different moulds available on the market and allowed by the relevant legislation (approval number and certified for food use) can be used without prior approval of the Inspection Body, provided that they are a suitable size so that the cheeses have the defined shape, dimensions and weight after maturation.

Link

Link

Some aspects and sections of the ‘Specificity of the geographical area’ are clarified and summarised.

Section (a) Historical of the original specification has been updated, with the deletion of some paragraphs that referred only to fresh or cured Murcian cheese, such as:

‘The custom of making home-made fresh cheese has existed throughout the entire Region of Murcia, etc.’

Some information that is now obsolete or which simply described the situation in the sector at the time of submitting the first application for registration has also been deleted:

‘which is now called Acrimur and has 54 Murcian livestock farmers, is responsible for the herd book for the breed, maintaining the breed and milk inspection through Núcleo (Nucleomur)’.

‘and by the year 2000, two new cheese dairies, which are currently under construction, with a capacity of 1 000 l/day will be added.’

‘The cheeses to which the requested protections refer were regulated by the Order of 11 June 1990 of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on the specific regulation of goat's cheeses covered by the designation “Producto de Calidad de Murcia” (“Quality Murcian Product”). In view of the need for a derogation, in accordance with the Commission's advice it was decided to apply for a designation of origin’.

‘The sector has recently become better organised through the creation of the Association of Cheesemakers of the Region of Murcia (Asociación de Fabricantes de Queso de la Región de Murcia — Aquemur), which is made up of eight cheese dairies that produce approximately 25 000 litres of goat's milk a day and work not only to preserve the special character of the region's cheeses and to try to prevent the milk from going out to foreign industries, but also to improve the quality and price of this milk and the cheese produced from it.’

The following information, among others, which does not add any value to the link between the production and its environs, has been deleted from section (b) Natural environment:

| | ‘The area where the milk of the Murcian goat is produced and made into cheese is characterised by a very varied topography and landscape, etc.’ |
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‘The area where the milk of the Murcian goat is produced and made into cheese is characterised by a very varied topography and landscape, etc.’

| | ‘The relief is complex, dominated by the high Baetic mountains of the north east. From a geological point of view, etc.’ |
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‘The relief is complex, dominated by the high Baetic mountains of the north east. From a geological point of view, etc.’

| | ‘The area occupied by crops in 1996, etc.’ |
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‘The area occupied by crops in 1996, etc.’

The statement that this breed of goats is milked only once a day has been deleted from section (c). Conditions for the breeding and feeding of the original specification. Some reproductive aspects which are irrelevant to this section ‘genetic advances, male effect, etc.’ are also deleted from this section.

Specific regulations on the sliced, grated, packaged cheese, etc.

Specific regulations on the sliced, grated, packaged cheese, etc.

To adapt to new market trends, the cheese may be sold in portions, sliced or grated, provided that it is packaged and its origin can be identified.

Portioned, sliced and grated cheese may be produced and subsequently packaged, in the same way as the whole cheeses, by companies outside the production area that have accepted and meet the established action protocol to ensure the traceability and origin of the final product. This amendment is made to comply with point 8 of Regulation (EC) No 1898/2006.

Labelling

Labelling

The specification includes the logo for the protected denomination of origin ‘Queso de Murcia al vino’ for the proper identification of the product.

Legislation

Legislation

National and regional legislation has been updated.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs
   (3)

on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

3

‘QUESO DE MURCIA AL VINO’

‘QUESO DE MURCIA AL VINO’

EC No: ES-PDO-0105-01061-12.11.2012

EC No: ES-PDO-0105-01061-12.11.2012

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

1.   Name

Name

‘Queso de Murcia al Vino’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Member State or Third Country

Spain

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Type of product

| Class 1.3. | Cheese |
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Class 1.3.

Cheese

3.2.   Description of product to which the name in (1) applies

Description of product to which the name in (1) applies

This is a fatty cheese, with a pressed body, which is washed and not cooked.

After maturation, it has the following characteristics:

| — | Physical:






  — | Shape: cylindrical with regular, smooth edges and slightly curved sides |
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Physical:

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Shape: cylindrical with regular, smooth edges and slightly curved sides

| — | Weight: from 300 g to 2,6 kg. |
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Weight: from 300 g to 2,6 kg.

| — | Maximum diameter: 190 mm. |
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Maximum diameter: 190 mm.

| — | Maximum height: 100 mm. |
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Maximum height: 100 mm.

| — | Diameter/Height ratio: 1,5 minimum-2,2 maximum. |
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Diameter/Height ratio: 1,5 minimum-2,2 maximum.

| — | Chemical:






  — | Fat: minimum 45 % of the dry matter. |
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Chemical:

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Fat: minimum 45 % of the dry matter.

| — | Protein: minimum 32 % of the dry matter. |
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Protein: minimum 32 % of the dry matter.

| — | Dry Matter: minimum 55 %. |
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Dry Matter: minimum 55 %.

| — | pH: minimum 5, when taken out of the brine. |
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pH: minimum 5, when taken out of the brine.

| — | Organoleptic:






  — | RIND:






  — | Consistency: firm. |
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Organoleptic:

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RIND:

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Consistency: firm.

| — | Colour: Maroon violet. |
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Colour: Maroon violet.

| — | Appearance: smooth rind (without imprints), fine and without cracks, straight or slightly curved sides. |
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Appearance: smooth rind (without imprints), fine and without cracks, straight or slightly curved sides.

| — | BODY:






  — | Consistency: firm and elastic. |
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BODY:

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Consistency: firm and elastic.

| — | Texture: uniform, creamy, unctuous and without any graininess. |
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Texture: uniform, creamy, unctuous and without any graininess.

| — | Appearance/Structure: the body may have no holes or sometimes have holes of mechanical origin. |
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Appearance/Structure: the body may have no holes or sometimes have holes of mechanical origin.

| — | Colour: matt white with shades ranging from ivory to yellowish-brown in the most cured pieces. |
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Colour: matt white with shades ranging from ivory to yellowish-brown in the most cured pieces.

| — | Aroma: average-to-low intensity. Lactic and animal (goat) notes. The aroma of red wine or wine cellar can be detected in the outer part of the rind. |
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Aroma: average-to-low intensity. Lactic and animal (goat) notes. The aroma of red wine or wine cellar can be detected in the outer part of the rind.

| — | Taste: low-to-medium intensity, but persistent. Average acidity and salty base notes. It may have notes of fresh lactic aromas (goat's milk, cream/butter). The acidity diminishes with age, unlike the saltiness and flavour which grow stronger. |
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Taste: low-to-medium intensity, but persistent. Average acidity and salty base notes. It may have notes of fresh lactic aromas (goat's milk, cream/butter). The acidity diminishes with age, unlike the saltiness and flavour which grow stronger.

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only)

Raw materials (for processed products only)

The milk from which the protected cheeses are made must be the full natural product, obtained from Murcian goats, from livestock farms situated in the geographical area, which have the following characteristics:

| — | The bacterial load must be ≤ 1 500 000 plate count per ml. |
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The bacterial load must be ≤ 1 500 000 plate count per ml.

| — | No pharmacologically active substances. |
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No pharmacologically active substances.

| — | The analytical characteristics of the milk must be:






  — | Protein: 3,4 % minimum |
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The analytical characteristics of the milk must be:

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Protein: 3,4 % minimum

| — | Fat: 4,7 % minimum |
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Fat: 4,7 % minimum

| — | Total dry extract: 13,4 % minimum |
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Total dry extract: 13,4 % minimum

| — | pH: 6,5 % minimum |
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pH: 6,5 % minimum

3.4.   Feed (for products of animal origin only)

Feed (for products of animal origin only)

The goats' feed is in keeping with traditional practices and comes directly from the pastures and/or the sub-products of the production area.

Murcian goats' feed is sourced from:

| — | Seasonal grazing on natural vegetation, predominantly scrubland, of scant nutritional value, but the particular characteristics of which influence the organoleptic properties of the cheese. |
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Seasonal grazing on natural vegetation, predominantly scrubland, of scant nutritional value, but the particular characteristics of which influence the organoleptic properties of the cheese.

| — | Continuous use of sub-products, particularly cereal straw, vine branches, olive tree branches, almond shells, citrus pulp, beetroot pulp and waste from the canning industry, which is abundant in the Murcia Region. |
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Continuous use of sub-products, particularly cereal straw, vine branches, olive tree branches, almond shells, citrus pulp, beetroot pulp and waste from the canning industry, which is abundant in the Murcia Region.

| — | Supplement of high-nutritional value, based on seeds and alfalfa hay. |
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Supplement of high-nutritional value, based on seeds and alfalfa hay.

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

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

The different stages involved in producing the milk and making and maturing the Murcian wine cheese must take place in the defined geographical area.

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

Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc.

‘Queso de Murcia al vino’ may be sold in portions, sliced or grated, provided that it is packaged and its origin may be identified.

Portioned, sliced and grated cheese may be produced and subsequently packaged, in the same way as the whole cheeses, by companies outside the production area that have accepted and meet the established action protocol to ensure the traceability and origin of the final product.

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling

Specific rules concerning labelling

Labels and secondary labels must bear the words: Protected designation of origin ‘Queso de Murcia al vino’ or PDO ‘Queso de Murcia al vino’.

Furthermore, all the cheeses must bear a secondary label issued by the Regulatory Council's control body with the PDO logo, attached in such a way that the label cannot be reused.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area comprises all the municipalities of the province of Murcia, situated in the south-east of Spain.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Link with the geographical area

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

Specificity of the geographical area

(a)   Historical

With regard to processing Murcian goats' milk into cheese, in the book ‘La Cabra Murciana: su explotación, cuidados y mejora’ published in 1922, A. Panés wrote that this cheese was produced in Jumilla and Yecla and eaten in the same towns and even exported to Alicante. This cheese was matured by coagulating the milk using kids' rennet macerated in wine and, once the mass had formed, the cheese was placed into small moulds and refined by salting the pieces and humidifying them with wine. This was done multiple times, giving the cheese an excellent taste, which was highly prized on the market.

The manual of cheese, cheese-makers and cheese lovers ‘Manual de Quesos, Queseros y Quesómanos’ (Canut, 1988) describes the tradition of making goats' cheese in all the goat-keepers' homes in the region of Murcia which was not only for domestic consumption but also sold in the local area.

(b)   Natural

The region of Murcia is in the most arid part of Europe with its own, very different type of climate due to the scarce precipitation and high temperatures, which make water very scarce, and Mediterranean-style vegetation that is more scrubland in nature and not very grassy.

From the livestock farmer's point of view, there are lots of grasslands rich in esparto, Labiatae and Cistaceae that are typically used for extensive livestock farming.

Labiatae

Cistaceae

(c)   Conditions for breeding and feeding

Murcian goats are sexually active all year round, which makes milk production less seasonal.

The traditional practices for feeding goats, with the direct supply of seasonal pastures, sub-products and some traditional high-nutritional-value supplements from the production area, provide distinctive characteristics that influence some of the organoleptic aspects of the cheese.

5.2.   Specificity of the product

Specificity of the product

The first characteristic that gives Murcian cheese its specificity is the Murcian goats' milk, which is internationally renowned for its particularly high fat and protein content which, together with the method of production, gives the cheeses a high degree of typicality with regard to their organoleptic characteristics which distinguish them from other cheeses of similar appearance.

The second and no less important factor which makes this cheese so particular is the colour and aroma of its rind, resulting from the red wine bath. This ancient practice, which has been documented in this Region, gives the product a high degree of typicality as regards the natural violet colour of its rind which makes it completely different to other types of cheese produced in Spain.

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)

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 Region of Murcia has throughout its history been a geographical area characterised by a semi-arid climate conducive to raising a rustic and productive breed of goat such as the Murciano-Granadina. The scarcity of food resources favoured the development of a whole local culture of livestock farming and cheese-making in which the human element played a decisive role when it came to developing strategies for harnessing resources (particularly poor pastureland and agricultural sub-products) and processing a perishable product such as milk into a processed product such as this cheese. There has been an ancestral cheese-making activity in this Region for centuries, using some processes and techniques that clearly distinguish Murcian wine cheese, such as washing the curd or ageing it in red wine baths. This activity, which has been documented, ensured the development and preservation of a set of human factors associated with the former herdsmen and cheese-makers, such as an understanding of the local systems for producing and processing goats' milk which enabled this activity and product to be preserved until now.

Reference to the publication of the specification

Reference to the publication of the specification

(Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (4))

4

http://www.carm.es/web/pagina?IDCONTENIDO=895&IDTIPO=11&RASTRO=c214$m1185,34701

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12. Replaced by Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

2

(3)  Replaced by Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

3

(4)  See footnote 3.

4

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