# Official Journal C 82/2021

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 82 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6411 March 2021 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 82

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6411 March 2021

---

| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 82/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9857 — Volvo/Daimler/JV) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2021/C 82/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10152 — Temasek/Gategrup) (
  1
  ) | 2 |
| 2021/C 82/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10082 — CPPIB/TPG/The Torstein Hagen Interest in Possession Settlement/Viking) (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| 2021/C 82/04 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8920 — Mitsubishi Corporation/Arjun Infrastructure Partners/South Staffordshire) (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| 2021/C 82/05 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9187 — Autolaunch/Beijing Electric Vehicle Co/JVs) (
  1
  ) | 5 |

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 82/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9857 — Volvo/Daimler/JV) (
  1
  )

1

1

2021/C 82/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10152 — Temasek/Gategrup) (
  1
  )

1

2

2021/C 82/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10082 — CPPIB/TPG/The Torstein Hagen Interest in Possession Settlement/Viking) (
  1
  )

1

3

2021/C 82/04

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8920 — Mitsubishi Corporation/Arjun Infrastructure Partners/South Staffordshire) (
  1
  )

1

4

2021/C 82/05

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9187 — Autolaunch/Beijing Electric Vehicle Co/JVs) (
  1
  )

1

5

---

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 82/06 | Euro exchange rates — 10 March 2021 | 6 |
| 2021/C 82/07 | Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
  (Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
  )

   (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| | NOTICES CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA |
| | EFTA Surveillance Authority |
| 2021/C 82/08 | State aid – Decision to raise no objections | 8 |
| 2021/C 82/09 | State aid – Decision to raise no objections | 10 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 82/06

Euro exchange rates — 10 March 2021

6

2021/C 82/07

Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
  (Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
  )

   (
  1
  )

(Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006

)

1

7

NOTICES CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA

EFTA Surveillance Authority

2021/C 82/08

State aid – Decision to raise no objections

8

2021/C 82/09

State aid – Decision to raise no objections

10

---

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Personnel Selection Office |
| 2021/C 82/10 | NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITION | 11 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 82/11 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.9938 — Kingspan Group/Trimo) (
  1
  ) | 12 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 82/12 | Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification 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 | 14 |
| 2021/C 82/13 | Publication of the amended single document following the approval of a minor amendment pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 | 28 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Personnel Selection Office

2021/C 82/10

NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITION

11

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2021/C 82/11

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.9938 — Kingspan Group/Trimo) (
  1
  )

1

12

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2021/C 82/12

Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification 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

14

2021/C 82/13

Publication of the amended single document following the approval of a minor amendment pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

28

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

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

EN

---

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/1

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.9857 — Volvo/Daimler/JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 82/01)

On 5 February 2021, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M9857. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M9857. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---

| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/2

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10152 — Temasek/Gategrup)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 82/02)

On 2 March 2021, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10152. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10152. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---

| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/3

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10082 — CPPIB/TPG/The Torstein Hagen Interest in Possession Settlement/Viking)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 82/03)

On 5 February 2021, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10082. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10082. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---

| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/4

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.8920 — Mitsubishi Corporation/Arjun Infrastructure Partners/South Staffordshire)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 82/04)

On 19 June 2018, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32018M8920. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32018M8920. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---

| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/5

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.9187 — Autolaunch/Beijing Electric Vehicle Co/JVs)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 82/05)

On 21 December 2018, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32018M9187. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32018M9187. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/6

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

10 March 2021

(2021/C 82/06)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,1892 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 129,12 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4366 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,85655 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 10,1305 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,1069 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 152,10 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 10,0813 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 26,226 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 367,48 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,5752 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,8865 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 9,0269 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5430 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,5041 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,2307 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6590 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6019 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 357,05 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 18,1740 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,7433 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5865 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 17 130,43 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,9072 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 57,780 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 87,9744 |
| THB | Thai baht | 36,592 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 6,8807 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 25,2221 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 86,8100 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1892

JPY

Japanese yen

129,12

DKK

Danish krone

7,4366

GBP

Pound sterling

0,85655

SEK

Swedish krona

10,1305

CHF

Swiss franc

1,1069

ISK

Iceland króna

152,10

NOK

Norwegian krone

10,0813

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

26,226

HUF

Hungarian forint

367,48

PLN

Polish zloty

4,5752

RON

Romanian leu

4,8865

TRY

Turkish lira

9,0269

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5430

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,5041

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,2307

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6590

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6019

KRW

South Korean won

1 357,05

ZAR

South African rand

18,1740

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,7433

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5865

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

17 130,43

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,9072

PHP

Philippine peso

57,780

RUB

Russian rouble

87,9744

THB

Thai baht

36,592

BRL

Brazilian real

6,8807

MXN

Mexican peso

25,2221

INR

Indian rupee

86,8100

---

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

---

| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/7

---

Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

(Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (1)
  )

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 82/07)

Decisions granting an authorisation

| Reference of the decision (2) | Date of decision | Substance name | Holder of the authorisation | Authorisation number | Authorised use | Date of expiry of review period | Reasons for the decision |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| C(2021) 1385 | 4 March 2021 | trichloroethylene (TCE)
  EC No 201-167-4; CAS No 79-01-6 | SPOLANA s.r.o., ul. Práce 657, 277 11 Neratovice, Czechia | REACH/21/2/0/R1 | Extraction solvent in caprolactam production | 21 April 2032 | In accordance with Article 60(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, the socio-economic benefits outweigh the risk to human health from the use of the substance and there are no suitable alternative substances or technologies. |

Reference of the decision (2)

Date of decision

Substance name

Holder of the authorisation

Authorisation number

Authorised use

Date of expiry of review period

Reasons for the decision

C(2021) 1385

4 March 2021

trichloroethylene (TCE)

EC No 201-167-4; CAS No 79-01-6

SPOLANA s.r.o., ul. Práce 657, 277 11 Neratovice, Czechia

REACH/21/2/0/R1

Extraction solvent in caprolactam production

21 April 2032

In accordance with Article 60(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, the socio-economic benefits outweigh the risk to human health from the use of the substance and there are no suitable alternative substances or technologies.

---

(1)  OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)  The decision is available on the European Commission website at: http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/chemicals/reach/about/index_en.htm

---

NOTICES CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA

EFTA Surveillance Authority

| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/8

---

State aid – Decision to raise no objections

(2021/C 82/08)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority raises no objections to the following state aid measure:

| Date of adoption of the decision | 3 December 2020 |
| --- | --- |
| Case No | 85815 |
| Decision No | 143/20/COL |
| EFTA State | Norway |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | COVID-19 Amendments and prolongation of the liquidity support grant scheme for undertakings in the tourism sector |
| Legal basis | The national legal basis is a Parliamentary Decision, authorising the amendments and prolongation, and a letter of additional assignment to Innovation Norway from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, setting out the guidelines for grants and the administration of the scheme |
| Type of measure | Scheme |
| Objective | Providing access to liquidity for undertakings facing a sudden shortage of liquidity due to the impact on the economy of the COVID-19 outbreak. Costs related to planned activities will form the basis for the grant |
| Form of aid | Grants |
| Budget | NOK 550 million |
| Intensity | Up to 80 % of the eligible costs may be covered for small and medium sized businesses. Up to 70 % of the eligible costs may be covered for large enterprises. The costs for tangible and intangible assets necessary for project implementation can only be covered up to a maximum of 20 % |
| Duration | 3.12.2020 – 30.6.2021 |
| Economic sectors | NACE 49, 50, 51, 55, 56, 74.903, 77, 79, 82.3, 90, 91 and 93 |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Innovation Norway |
| Akersgata 13 |
| N-0104 Oslo |
| NORWAY |
| Pb. 448 Sentrum |

Date of adoption of the decision

3 December 2020

Case No

85815

Decision No

143/20/COL

EFTA State

Norway

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

COVID-19 Amendments and prolongation of the liquidity support grant scheme for undertakings in the tourism sector

Legal basis

The national legal basis is a Parliamentary Decision, authorising the amendments and prolongation, and a letter of additional assignment to Innovation Norway from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, setting out the guidelines for grants and the administration of the scheme

Type of measure

Scheme

Objective

Providing access to liquidity for undertakings facing a sudden shortage of liquidity due to the impact on the economy of the COVID-19 outbreak. Costs related to planned activities will form the basis for the grant

Form of aid

Grants

Budget

NOK 550 million

Intensity

Up to 80 % of the eligible costs may be covered for small and medium sized businesses. Up to 70 % of the eligible costs may be covered for large enterprises. The costs for tangible and intangible assets necessary for project implementation can only be covered up to a maximum of 20 %

Duration

3.12.2020 – 30.6.2021

Economic sectors

NACE 49, 50, 51, 55, 56, 74.903, 77, 79, 82.3, 90, 91 and 93

Name and address of the granting authority

Innovation Norway

Akersgata 13

N-0104 Oslo

NORWAY

Pb. 448 Sentrum

The authentic text of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found on the EFTA Surveillance Authority’s website: http://www.eftasurv.int/state-aid/state-aid-register/decisions/

---

| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/10

---

State aid – Decision to raise no objections

(2021/C 82/09)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority raises no objections to the following state aid measure:

| Date of adoption of the decision | 3 December 2020 |
| --- | --- |
| Case No | 85929 |
| Decision No | 142/20/COL |
| EFTA State | Norway |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | COVID-19 Amendment to the package travel grant scheme |
| Legal basis | The legal basis of the measure is the Parliamentary Decision authorising the measure, in accordance with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries’ proposal |
| Type of measure | Grant scheme |
| Objective | The objective of the measure is to: (i) ensure that sufficient liquidity remains available for traders in the package travel market, in order to counter the damage inflicted on impacted undertakings; (ii) ensure the quickest possible settlement of refunds or reimbursements to package travellers; and (iii) preserve the continuity of economic activity during and after the COVID-19 outbreak |
| Budget | NOK 195 million |
| Duration | 26.6.2020 – 31.12.2020 |
| Economic sectors | Package travel |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Innovation Norway |
| Akersgata 13 |
| N-0104 Oslo |
| NORWAY |

Date of adoption of the decision

3 December 2020

Case No

85929

Decision No

142/20/COL

EFTA State

Norway

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

COVID-19 Amendment to the package travel grant scheme

Legal basis

The legal basis of the measure is the Parliamentary Decision authorising the measure, in accordance with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries’ proposal

Type of measure

Grant scheme

Objective

The objective of the measure is to: (i) ensure that sufficient liquidity remains available for traders in the package travel market, in order to counter the damage inflicted on impacted undertakings; (ii) ensure the quickest possible settlement of refunds or reimbursements to package travellers; and (iii) preserve the continuity of economic activity during and after the COVID-19 outbreak

Budget

NOK 195 million

Duration

26.6.2020 – 31.12.2020

Economic sectors

Package travel

Name and address of the granting authority

Innovation Norway

Akersgata 13

N-0104 Oslo

NORWAY

The authentic text of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found on the EFTA Surveillance Authority’s website: http://www.eftasurv.int/state-aid/state-aid-register/decisions/

---

V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Personnel Selection Office

| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/11

---

NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITION

(2021/C 82/10)

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is organising the following open competition:

EPSO/AD/390/21 – ADMINISTRATORS (AD 6) IN THE FIELD OF CHEMICALS POLICY

The competition notice is published in 24 languages in
  Official Journal of the European Union C 82 A of 11 March 2021.

Further information can be found on the EPSO website: https://epso.europa.eu/

---

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/12

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.9938 — Kingspan Group/Trimo)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 82/11)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Kingspan Holding Netherlands B.V. (Netherlands), controlled by Kingspan Group plc, |
| --- | --- |

—

Kingspan Holding Netherlands B.V. (Netherlands), controlled by Kingspan Group plc,

| — | Trimo, arhitekturne rešitve, d.o.o. (Slovenia), controlled by European Architectural Systems S.à r.l. |
| --- | --- |

—

Trimo, arhitekturne rešitve, d.o.o. (Slovenia), controlled by European Architectural Systems S.à r.l.

Kingspan Holding Netherlands B.V. acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of Trimo, arhitekturne rešitve, d.o.o.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | for Kingspan Holding Netherlands B.V.: manufacture of sandwich panels, insulation, light & air solutions, water and energy, and data and flooring technology, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Kingspan Holding Netherlands B.V.: manufacture of sandwich panels, insulation, light & air solutions, water and energy, and data and flooring technology,

| — | for Trimo, arhitekturne rešitve, d.o.o.: mainly manufacture of mineral fibre sandwich panels. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Trimo, arhitekturne rešitve, d.o.o.: mainly manufacture of mineral fibre sandwich panels.

3.

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

4.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.9938 — Kingspan Group/Trimo

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

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

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

1

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/14

---

Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification 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

(2021/C 82/12)

This publication confers the right to oppose the amendment application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months from the date of this publication.

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF PROTECTED DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN/PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS WHICH IS NOT MINOR

Application for approval of an amendment in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 53(2), of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’

EU No: PGI-ES-0264-AM02 – 7.2.2020

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

Name of the group: Consejo Regulador de la Indicación Geográfica Protegida Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco [‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’ PGI Regulatory Board]

Address: Plaza Mayor 29, 49400 Fuentesaúco (Zamora, Spain)

Telephone: +34 923228345

Email: gf@legumbresdecalidad.com

The applicant group represents the collective interests of the producers and packagers of ‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’ and holds a legitimate interest in this application to amend the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’. It is also the group that originally applied for protected status for this product.

2.   Member State or Third Country

Spain

3.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment(s)

| ☐ | Name of product |
| --- | --- |

☐

Name of product

| ☒ | Description of product |
| --- | --- |

☒

Description of product

| ☐ | Geographical area |
| --- | --- |

☐

Geographical area

| ☒ | Proof of origin |
| --- | --- |

☒

Proof of origin

| ☒ | Method of production |
| --- | --- |

☒

Method of production

| ☒ | Link |
| --- | --- |

☒

Link

| ☒ | Labelling |
| --- | --- |

☒

Labelling

| ☒ | Other [inspection body] |
| --- | --- |

☒

Other [inspection body]

4.   Type of amendment(s)

| ☒ | Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. |
| --- | --- |

☒

Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

| ☐ | Amendment to product specification of registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. |
| --- | --- |

☐

Amendment to product specification of registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

5.   Amendment(s)

Amendment 1:

Section entitled ‘Description of product’ – physico-chemical characteristics

Reasons for the change:

The weight range of 100 dried chickpeas has been slightly extended at the lower limit, from 40 g down to 35 g. This change is due to the fact that the weather is now unpredictable. There are years with low rainfall and high temperatures which put the chickpea plants under stress. This results in smaller chickpeas, meaning that 100 chickpeas weigh no more than 35 g.

Nevertheless, it has been shown that size has no effect on any of the organoleptic qualities that define the ‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’. Indeed, the smaller size resulting from extreme weather conditions means greater rehydration capacity which, in fact, improves the organoleptic qualities.

This change affects point 4.2 of the original single document or equivalent thereof.

Current wording of the specification:

‘The weight of 100 dried chickpeas after processing must be between 40 g and 50 g.’

Amended to read:

Amended to read:

‘The weight of 100 dried chickpeas after processing must be between 35 g and 50 g.’

Amendment 2:

Amendment 2:

Section entitled ‘Description of product’

Section entitled ‘Description of product’

The reference to the Order of 16 November 1983 approving the quality standard for certain packaged, dried (and decorticated) pulses destined for the domestic market has been deleted, as the single document cannot include references to other documents. A description of the classes concerned is now included:

This change affects point 4.2 of the original single document or equivalent thereof.

Current wording of the specification:

Current wording of the specification:

‘In all other respects, the chickpeas must fall within the commercial classes "Extra" or "I" as set out in the Order of 16 November 1983 approving the quality standard for certain packaged, dried (and decorticated) pulses destined for the domestic market, or any standard that replaces it.’

Amended to read:

Amended to read:

‘In all other respects, the chickpeas must fall within the commercial classes "Extra" or "I".

Dried chickpeas in the "Extra" class must be of superior quality and free from defects, with the exception of very slight superficial defects, provided these do not affect the product’s general appearance, quality or presentation in the package.

Dried chickpeas in class "I" must be of good quality. Slight defects may be allowed provided these do not affect the product’s general appearance, quality or keeping quality.’

Amendment 3:

Amendment 3:

Section entitled ‘Proof of origin’

Section entitled ‘Proof of origin’

Reasons for the change:

Reasons for the change:

All references to authorisation or inspection by the Regulatory Board have been deleted, as authorisations have been replaced by self-declarations and official inspections are now carried out by the competent authority.

The provisions of Article 4(2) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 668/2014 have been included.

This change affects point 4.4 of the original single document or equivalent thereof.

Current wording of the specification:

Current wording of the specification:

‘Checking and certification procedures guarantee that the product originates in the demarcated area.

The tasks of monitoring and checking that the production, storage, packaging and quality of the chickpeas comply with this specification must be carried out by the Regulatory Board, via the Certification Committee, which under the latest version of standard UNE-EN-45011 is the body responsible.

The following must be taken into consideration:

| — | The chickpeas must come only from registered parcels in the agricultural production area where the cultivation methods described in section E are used). |
| --- | --- |

—

The chickpeas must come only from registered parcels in the agricultural production area where the cultivation methods described in section E are used).

| — | The chickpeas must be stored and packaged in facilities already listed in the Regulatory Board’s registers. |
| --- | --- |

—

The chickpeas must be stored and packaged in facilities already listed in the Regulatory Board’s registers.

| — | Chickpeas transported between the various operators must be accompanied by a transit document issued in advance by the Regulatory Board. |
| --- | --- |

—

Chickpeas transported between the various operators must be accompanied by a transit document issued in advance by the Regulatory Board.

| — | The Regulatory Board must conduct regular checks and evaluations, involving the inspection of parcels, warehouses and packaging plants in order to check compliance with the method of production, sampling, testing and checking of documentation. |
| --- | --- |

—

The Regulatory Board must conduct regular checks and evaluations, involving the inspection of parcels, warehouses and packaging plants in order to check compliance with the method of production, sampling, testing and checking of documentation.

| — | Only chickpeas from packaging plants that have passed all the process-related checks may be placed on the market with a guarantee of origin endorsed by the Regulatory Board's label. |
| --- | --- |

—

Only chickpeas from packaging plants that have passed all the process-related checks may be placed on the market with a guarantee of origin endorsed by the Regulatory Board's label.

| — | The number of labels or secondary labels issued by the Regulatory Board to packaging plants will depend on the quantities of product delivered to them by the farmers or warehouses, and on the capacity of the packaging in which the chickpeas will be marketed.’ |
| --- | --- |

—

The number of labels or secondary labels issued by the Regulatory Board to packaging plants will depend on the quantities of product delivered to them by the farmers or warehouses, and on the capacity of the packaging in which the chickpeas will be marketed.’

Amended to read:

Amended to read:

‘Checking and certification procedures guarantee that the product originates in the demarcated area.

The following must be taken into consideration:

| — | The chickpeas must come only from registered parcels in the agricultural production area where the cultivation methods described in section E are used). |
| --- | --- |

—

The chickpeas must come only from registered parcels in the agricultural production area where the cultivation methods described in section E are used).

| — | The chickpeas must be stored and packaged in previously authorised warehouses and packaging plants. |
| --- | --- |

—

The chickpeas must be stored and packaged in previously authorised warehouses and packaging plants.

| — | Chickpeas transported between the various operators must be accompanied by a transit document. |
| --- | --- |

—

Chickpeas transported between the various operators must be accompanied by a transit document.

| — | Regular checks and evaluations must be conducted, involving the inspection of land parcels, warehouses and packaging plants in order to check compliance with the method of production, sampling, testing and checking of documentation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Regular checks and evaluations must be conducted, involving the inspection of land parcels, warehouses and packaging plants in order to check compliance with the method of production, sampling, testing and checking of documentation.

| — | Only chickpeas from packaging plants that have passed all the process-related checks may be placed on the market with a guarantee of origin endorsed by the PGI identifying label. |
| --- | --- |

—

Only chickpeas from packaging plants that have passed all the process-related checks may be placed on the market with a guarantee of origin endorsed by the PGI identifying label.

| — | The number of labels or secondary labels issued to packaging plants depends on the quantities of product delivered to them by the farmers or warehouses, and on the capacity of the packaging in which the chickpeas will be marketed. |
| --- | --- |

—

The number of labels or secondary labels issued to packaging plants depends on the quantities of product delivered to them by the farmers or warehouses, and on the capacity of the packaging in which the chickpeas will be marketed.

| — | All operators must be able to identify:






  a) | The supplier, quantity and origin of all batches of chickpeas received. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

All operators must be able to identify:

a)

The supplier, quantity and origin of all batches of chickpeas received.

| b) | The recipient, quantity and destination of all chickpeas labelled. |
| --- | --- |

b)

The recipient, quantity and destination of all chickpeas labelled.

| c) | The correlation between each batch of chickpeas received, as referred to in (a), and each batch of chickpeas labelled, as referred to in (b).’ |
| --- | --- |

c)

The correlation between each batch of chickpeas received, as referred to in (a), and each batch of chickpeas labelled, as referred to in (b).’

Amendment 4:

Amendment 4:

Section entitled ‘Method of production’ – In the land parcels

Section entitled ‘Method of production’ – In the land parcels

Reasons for the change:

Reasons for the change:

The soils now include ‘sandy’ textured soils, which were included in the initial supporting study and then left out by mistake, but as stated in the section on the natural link, the chickpea-growing areas are established on Quaternary deposits, whose characteristic soil types include sandy soils.

Conversely, the low carbon-nitrogen ratio has been removed, as it is not considered relevant for this type of soil and does not affect the quality of the crop.

The planting density has been reduced to 70 kg/ha because the machinery now available on the market allows a lower planting density with no adverse impact on chickpea production.

The reference to normal yields ranging from 600 to 800 kg/ha has been removed. Quantities can be higher or lower depending on the weather during the farming season, as yields vary considerably from year to year.

This change affects point 4.5 of the original single document or equivalent thereof.

Current wording of the specification:

Current wording of the specification:

‘In the land parcels

The chickpeas must be grown on land parcels in the defined agricultural production area.

These parcels are characterised by deep, well-drained soils with a loamy or loamy/sandy texture, an acid, neutral or slightly alkaline pH, low to medium levels of assimilable calcium, a low carbon/nitrogen ratio and no or very low salinity.

The seeds used for sowing must be chickpeas of the "Fuentesaúco" ecotype, or commercial varieties to be obtained in the future from that ecotype, sown by means of broadcast seeding at between 100 kg and 150 kg per hectare, depending on seed size, soil type and germinating conditions.

The chickpeas must be grown in rotation with other crops and never on the same parcel two years running.

Where organic fertilisers are used on the land, they must be applied to the preceding crops in order to be properly mineralised before the chickpeas are planted.

Where mineral fertilisers are used, they must be applied to the land before sowing. As the chickpea is a legume that is able to make efficient use of atmospheric nitrogen, nitrogenous fertilisers are not generally applied. Applications of phosphorus and potassium must be limited as rates of removal by the crop are low.

As the cultivation methods are geared to preventing the proliferation of any pests or diseases that could affect the chickpea crop, plant health treatments may be used only in exceptional circumstances.

The crop must be harvested when the plants and weeds on the parcel are perfectly dry in order to avoid pigmentation of the chickpeas. Normal yields range from 600 kg to 800 kg per hectare.’

Amended to read:

Amended to read:

‘In the land parcels

The chickpeas must be grown on land parcels in the defined agricultural production area.

These parcels are characterised by deep, well-drained soils with a sandy, loamy or loamy/sandy texture, an acid, neutral or weakly basic pH, low to medium levels of assimilable calcium, and no or very low salinity.

The seeds used for sowing must be chickpeas of the "Fuentesaúco" ecotype, or commercial varieties to be obtained in the future from that ecotype, sown by means of broadcast seeding between 70 kg and 150 kg per hectare, depending on seed size, soil type and germinating conditions.

The chickpeas must be grown in rotation with other crops and never grown on the same parcel two years running.

Where organic fertilisers are used on the land, they must be applied to the preceding crops in order to be properly mineralised before the chickpeas are planted.

Where mineral fertilisers are used, they must be applied to the land before sowing. As the chickpea is a legume that is able to make efficient use of atmospheric nitrogen, nitrogenous fertilisers are not generally applied. Applications of phosphorus and potassium must be limited as rates of removal by the crop are low.

As the cultivation methods are geared to preventing the proliferation of any pests or diseases that could affect the chickpea crop, plant health treatments may be used only in exceptional circumstances.

The crop must be harvested when the plants and weeds on the parcel are perfectly dry in order to avoid pigmentation of the chickpeas.’

Amendment 5:

Amendment 5:

Section entitled ‘Method of production’ – In the packaging plants

Section entitled ‘Method of production’ – In the packaging plants

The option of packaging by hand has been included. The specification states that the chickpeas are packaged using mechanised, or semi-mechanised, measuring devices, thus precluding the option of packaging by hand. In order not to place restrictions on small businesses that prefer, or are constrained, to package by hand, this type of packaging has now also been included.

References to authorisation or inspection by the Regulatory Board have been deleted as authorisations have been replaced by self-declarations and official inspections are now carried out by the competent authority.

This change affects point 4.5 of the original single document or equivalent thereof.

Current wording of the specification:

Current wording of the specification:

‘In the packaging plants

The chickpeas must undergo the following processes, in the following order, in the registered packaging plants:

| — | Quality control of the raw material in order to ensure the characteristics described in section B) "Description of product" and to standardise the different batches. |
| --- | --- |

—

Quality control of the raw material in order to ensure the characteristics described in section B) "Description of product" and to standardise the different batches.

| — | Cleaning and removal of foreign matter from the chickpeas using sieving and blasts of air. |
| --- | --- |

—

Cleaning and removal of foreign matter from the chickpeas using sieving and blasts of air.

| — | Selection of chickpeas, removing any with defects, blemishes or that are too small. |
| --- | --- |

—

Selection of chickpeas, removing any with defects, blemishes or that are too small.

| — | Grading and classification by size. |
| --- | --- |

—

Grading and classification by size.

| — | Packaging. Packaging of dried chickpeas using mechanised, or semi-mechanised, measuring devices. |
| --- | --- |

—

Packaging. Packaging of dried chickpeas using mechanised, or semi-mechanised, measuring devices.

| — | Final quality control to ensure that the packaged goods have no defects and that the product complies with the applicable tolerances. |
| --- | --- |

—

Final quality control to ensure that the packaged goods have no defects and that the product complies with the applicable tolerances.

| — | Labelling. Identification labels or secondary labels issued by the Regulatory Board. |
| --- | --- |

—

Labelling. Identification labels or secondary labels issued by the Regulatory Board.

The dried chickpeas must be marketed by September of the second year following the date of harvest.’

Amended to read:

Amended to read:

‘In the packaging plants

The chickpeas must undergo the following processes, in the following order, in the registered packaging plants:

| — | Quality control of the raw material in order to ensure the characteristics described in section B) "Description of product" and to standardise the different batches. |
| --- | --- |

—

Quality control of the raw material in order to ensure the characteristics described in section B) "Description of product" and to standardise the different batches.

| — | Cleaning and removal of foreign matter from the chickpeas using sieving and blasts of air. |
| --- | --- |

—

Cleaning and removal of foreign matter from the chickpeas using sieving and blasts of air.

| — | Selection of chickpeas, removing any with defects, blemishes or that are too small. |
| --- | --- |

—

Selection of chickpeas, removing any with defects, blemishes or that are too small.

| — | Grading and classification by size. |
| --- | --- |

—

Grading and classification by size.

| — | Packaging. Packaging of dried chickpeas using manual, mechanised, or semi-mechanised, measuring devices. |
| --- | --- |

—

Packaging. Packaging of dried chickpeas using manual, mechanised, or semi-mechanised, measuring devices.

| — | Final quality control to ensure that the packaged goods have no defects and that the product complies with the applicable tolerances. |
| --- | --- |

—

Final quality control to ensure that the packaged goods have no defects and that the product complies with the applicable tolerances.

| — | Labelling. Addition of identification labels or secondary labels. |
| --- | --- |

—

Labelling. Addition of identification labels or secondary labels.

The dried chickpeas must be marketed by September of the second year following the date of harvest.’

Amendment 6:

Amendment 6:

Section entitled ‘Inspection body’

Section entitled ‘Inspection body’

Reason for the change:

Reason for the change:

The inspection body is the Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León [Castile and Leon Institute of Agricultural Technology], which is the competent authority.

Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León

This change affects point 4.7 of the original single document or equivalent thereof.

Current wording of the specification:

Current wording of the specification:

‘Name: Consejo Regulador de la Indicación Geográfica Protegida Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco ("Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" PGI Regulatory Board)

Address: Paseo del Cementerio s/n. Convento Monjas E-49400 Fuentesaúco (Zamora)

Telephone: + 34 923228345

Fax + 34 923228345

Email: info@legumbresdecalidad.com

The Regulatory Board for the Protected Geographical Indication "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" complies with standard EN 45011 of 1998.’

Amended to read:

Amended to read:

‘Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León [Castile and Leon Institute of Agricultural Technology]

Ctra. de Burgos km 119. Finca Zamadueñas

47071 Valladolid (Spain)

Telephone: +34 983412034

Fax: +34 983412040

Email: controloficial@itacyl.es

Verification of compliance with the conditions set out in the product specification for the protected geographical indication "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" is the responsibility of the Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León, via the Subdirectorate for Food Quality and Promotion, in accordance with Article 139 of Law 1/2014 of 19 March 2014, the Castile and Leon Agriculture Act.’

Amendment 7:

Amendment 7:

Section entitled ‘Labelling’

Section entitled ‘Labelling’

The mandatory labelling content has been specified and the logo of the protected geographical indication, which does not appear in the current specification, has been included.

All references to authorisation or inspection by the Regulatory Board have been deleted as authorisations have been replaced by self-declarations and official inspections are now carried out by the competent authority.

All references to the labelling of products using the PGI products as ingredients have been removed, as it is not necessary to include this in the section on labelling in the specification because there are Commission guidelines on the matter (OJ C 341, 16.12.2010, p. 3).

The text has been redrafted so that it reads more clearly.

This change affects point 4.8 of the original single document or equivalent thereof.

Current wording of the specification:

Current wording of the specification:

‘The labelling on packages of "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" must include the words "Indicación Geográfica Protegida Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco", along with the Regulatory Board’s logo.

This labelling by the packaging plant must to be accompanied by an identifying secondary label issued by the Regulatory Board.

The secondary labels must include an alphanumeric code guaranteeing traceability. They must be positioned on the packaging as prescribed by the Regulatory Board’s Quality Manual and in such a way that they cannot be reused.

In its Quality Manual, the Regulatory Board must set out additional rules that must be observed regarding the size of the PGI logo and its position on the packaging.

Products prepared using "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" PGI as raw material, including those that have undergone processing, may be released for consumption in packaging that mentions the PGI and bears the PGI logo, but not the Community logo, provided that:

| — | "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" PGI , certified as such, is the sole component of the product category concerned. |
| --- | --- |

—

"Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" PGI , certified as such, is the sole component of the product category concerned.

| — | The processors concerned are authorised by the Regulatory Board, which must enter them in the appropriate register for inspection purposes and ensure that the protected designation is used correctly. |
| --- | --- |

—

The processors concerned are authorised by the Regulatory Board, which must enter them in the appropriate register for inspection purposes and ensure that the protected designation is used correctly.

When "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" PGI is not the sole component, the protected designation may only be mentioned in the list of ingredients of the product containing it or obtained by processing it.’

Amended to read:

Amended to read:

‘Any packaging in which the chickpeas are dispatched for consumption must bear a numbered secondary label that must include the EU’s PGI symbol and the name "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" together with the PGI’s own logo.

The labels must be affixed by the packaging plant in such a way that they cannot be reused.

The logo of the Protected Geographical Indication is:

Image 1

’

Amendment 8:

Amendment 8:

Section entitled ‘Link with the area’

Section entitled ‘Link with the area’

The ‘Link with the geographical area’ has been redrafted to give a clearer and more detailed explanation of the causal link, but the link has not been substantively amended. The new text gives a precise description of the natural factors, soil and climatic conditions, human factors and local expertise which characterise the geographical area and give the product its specific features.

Two paragraphs that did not provide information on the link have been deleted (paragraph 1 and the last sentence in the paragraph on the Fuentesaúco ecotype).

A new paragraph has been added at the beginning, stating the basis for the link.

Three more paragraphs have been added to update and improve the text, including information on awards endorsing the quality of ‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’, and references in the media, books, recipes, etc.

This change affects point 4.6 of the original single document or equivalent thereof.

Text that has been deleted from the specification.

The first paragraph of the link:

‘Chickpeas had been grown since ancient times in lands bordering the eastern Mediterranean and in Mesopotamia. They appear to have arrived in Spain, and more specifically Castile-Leon, with the Roman colonisers. They continued to be grown during the Visigothic period and cultivation expanded under the Moors.’

And the last sentence under the heading ‘The Fuentesaúco ecotype’:

‘The Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León [Castile and Leon Institute of Agricultural Technology] has already selected two strains of this ecotype, which will soon be registered and sold to farmers.’

The section on the link now reads as follows:

The section on the link now reads as follows:

‘The link between the chickpeas and the geographical area is founded on the product’s reputation and renown, which derives from the high quality of the local ecotype and the area’s long tradition of chickpea growing, with local farmers knowing all there is to know about the best techniques and selection of the most suitable land.

The earliest written references to chickpea growing in the Fuentesaúco area date from the 16th century. Municipal decrees issued in Fuentesaúco in 1569 stated that chickpeas could not be brought in from any place other than Fuentesaúco: "since chickpeas are the asset and business of this town, we decree that no one of the town or elsewhere may take chickpeas from this town, on his own or another’s behalf. To do so shall incur the punishment of having them confiscated unless they are needed for sowing and the council has granted permission". This protectionist measure was ratified by King Felipe II on 22 November 1571.

On 18 November 1612, King Felipe III established the title of Count of la Fuente de Saúco, which he conferred on Pedro de Deza who, aware of the unique quality of the chickpeas of Fuentesaúco, sent them as a gift to Francisco de Quevedo y Villegas. The famous writer mentioned that gift in a letter sent to Sancho Sandoval on 16 January 1639: "The Count of Fuente del Saúco has just sent me a gift of chickpeas from his domain, knowing that they are my favourite delicacy. I am sending you a quantity of them. They are famous throughout the world because they swell when cooked and are very tender, and because their like is not found anywhere else. If it were up to my stomach, I would not exchange them for as many pearls of the same size [...]".

The chickpeas became more widely known when farmers started taking them, along with other products, to the Feria de los Santos and the regular Tuesday market established by King Carlos III (1716-1788). It was also around that time that the saying arose: "el buen garbanzo y el buen ladrón de Fuentesaúco son" [Fuentesaúco has good chickpeas and good thieves]. The much loved chickpeas sold in the town undoubtedly came from other nearby villages too.

The land register of the Marquis de la Ensenada, compiled in 1752, mentions chickpea production in Fuentesaúco, citing the quantities of seed used, production and sale price.

The chickpeas of Fuentesaúco acquired a certain reputation in Spanish-speaking America. Specifically, in Caracas, Venezuela, bags could be found in some grocery stores with a sign saying "Garbanzos de Fuentesaúco". Given the number of people who emigrated from this area to Venezuela, it is not surprising that they were known there.

Madoz, in his statistical dictionary of 1845, says of Fuentesaúco: "it produces the chickpeas that are so famous everywhere, although in some of the other villages they are just as good", referring to the fact that all the area’s chickpeas had come to be known as Fuentesaúco chickpeas.

Benito Pérez Galdós, in "Episodios Nacionales", also mentions these chickpeas.

The "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" has won awards on a number of occasions for its excellence and high quality. As examples, we can mention the medal received in Madrid at the Agriculture Exhibition of 1857, and the certificate of honour awarded at the General Exhibition held in Seville at the beginning of the 20th century.

Other more recent awards continue to confirm these qualities, for example "Best artisanal tinned product from Castile and Leon" for Fuentesaúco chickpeas with cod in 2014; "Castile and Leon eco-farming award" for organic Fuentesaúco chickpeas in 2015; "Rural World Award" for "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" PGI from the Caja Rural de Zamora in 2016; and, as a pulse produced in Castile and Leon, the "Best food award: pulses of Castile and Leon" from the El Norte de Castilla newspaper in 2017.

There are quite a few references to the "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" in 20th century literature. The Nobel laureate in literature Camilo José Cela, in his novel Judíos, Moros y Cristianos [Jews, Moors and Christians], wrote:

"Fuentesaúco de Fuentidueña, in Segovia, is not the Fuentesaúco famous for its chickpeas, although they also grow there. The Fuentesaúco known for its chickpeas is the one in Zamora."

The "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" is renowned throughout the country. It has often been mentioned in the media, even when the topic of discussion is not food. For example, the magazine La Hoja del Mar from the first quarter of 1979, published by the Instituto Social de la Marina, says:

"Close to Cartagena there was a village which, until the last century, was called Garbanzal [...]. The interesting thing is that the best chickpeas are not from Murcia but from Castile, and the most famous are the chickpeas of Fuentesaúco."

There are numerous references in the media: local and regional newspapers, the specialist press (titles such as Origen, Viajar, España Gastronomica, Verema, etc.); news programmes on local and national television and radio; and on numerous websites (robinfoodtv, canal cocina, planeta en conserva, te ayudo a cocinar and others). The chickpeas also feature in cookery books and food magazines such as "Las legumbres de Castilla y León en la gastronomía del siglo XXI" and "Legumbres españolas con garantía de calidad y origen reconocida por la UE", published by the Spanish government.

In culinary circles, the name "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" is always associated with quality superior to that of any other chickpeas. In the El País newspaper supplement from the first week of February 1989, there was an article by the journalist Carlos Delgado entitled "Al amor de la Lumbre" which looked at the history of cocido [traditional Spanish stew] and included a set of recipes, where he writes: "and if the chickpeas are from Fuentesaúco, so much the better [...]".

The traditional use of chickpeas in a wide range of dishes is reflected in recipes created by renowned chefs such as Antonio González at El Rincón de Antonio and Pedro and Oscar at El Ermitaño, and even "maître patissier" Justo Almendrote, who has been known to use them in his patisserie creations, making the most of the product’s versatility.

Natural link:

The characteristics of "Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco" are linked to the soil and climatic characteristics of the production area, and to the ecotype grown.

Climate:

Winters are long and cold with frequent frosts. This acts as a natural control for the pests and diseases that affect chickpeas.

In May and June, when the crop is developing the most, the average maximum temperature is around 26 °C and the average minimum around 11 °C.

At these temperatures, the plants produce carbohydrates and proteins and transport them to the seeds slowly. In addition, the plants’ respiratory activity slows down at night because of the drop in temperature. These factors directly influence the organoleptic characteristics of the endosperm.

Winter rainfall is abundant, which allows reserves of water to accumulate in the soil. In April, May and June, when the crop is developing, average rainfall is low, at around 45 l/m2 per month.

In July, when the seeds are ripening, the average rainfall is around 17 l/m2. The crop develops and the peas ripen in these low rainfall conditions, drawing on the water reserves in the soil, all of which directly affects the organoleptic characteristics of the chickpeas.

Geology:

The cultivation areas are established on Quaternary deposits. These deposits are formed of sandy materials with good drainage and are deep, with a low organic matter content. These are the main features that distinguish the area studied.

A very significant lithological change is apparent when moving eastwards in the area studied, to an area of clay materials. Going northeast, we find loam, clay and silt, while to the west, granite materials start to appear.

It is therefore clear from the geomorphological study carried out that the area has distinctive geological characteristics which, combined with the climatic conditions, distinguish it from the surrounding areas.

Soils:

In the demarcated area there are extensive areas of land with deep, well-drained soil, consisting of loamy sand or sandy loam, with an acidic or weakly basic pH, low to average assimilable calcium and little or no salinity. These soil conditions give the chickpeas specific characteristics, especially those related to their fine skin, high water absorption capacity and buttery texture.

The Fuentesaúco ecotype:

The planting of the macrocarpum variety of Cicer arietinum L. in the demarcated area over countless generations has given rise to the local "Fuentesaúco" ecotype, undemanding but with low productivity, which represents the highest degree of adaptation to the production area. This seed is genetic heritage of major importance, as it has genes for resistance to the area’s main pests and diseases.

Human factors:

Farmers focus their cultivation practices on the production of quality chickpeas, regarding productivity as a secondary objective, and on the basis of experience acquired over several generations they are able to identify the most suitable land parcels for this. In addition, they avoid mixing different batches, thus ensuring a uniform product that is appreciated by most consumers.’

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’

‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’

EU No: PGI-ES-0264-AM02 – 7.2.2020

EU No: PGI-ES-0264-AM02 – 7.2.2020

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

'Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco'

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 1.6. Fruit, vegetables and cereals, fresh or processed

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

Description of the product to which the name in 1 applies

The product covered by the protected geographical indication is the seed of the species Cicer arietinum L, macrocarpum variety, ecotype ‘Fuentesaúco’, intended for human consumption. It is sold packaged as a dried legume.

The ‘Fuentesaúco’ ecotype comprises a group of individuals whose genetic characteristics are identical to those of the variety to which they belong, but which are adapted to conditions in the place where they grow, having developed morphological and physiological differences due to their surroundings. This is why they take the name of the geographical area where they are grown.

They represent the highest level of adaptation to the area in which they are grown and are undemanding but not highly productive.

To be covered by the geographical indication, the chickpeas must have the following characteristics:

Morphological:

Wrinkled inner skin, with no blemishes, prominent curved beak.

Physico-chemical:

The weight of 100 chickpeas after processing must be between 35 g and 50 g.

Absorption of distilled water, at 25 °C for 10 hours: over 100 %.

Organoleptic:

After being properly cooked, to the point at which they are at their best for consumption, they should have a smooth, buttery endosperm, the skin must be soft and at least 85 % of the chickpeas must still be whole with the skin attached. The flavour is always pleasant. The colour is a blend of yellow, white and brown, giving creamy or muted shades.

In all other respects, the chickpeas must fall within the commercial classes ‘Extra’ or ‘I’.

Dried chickpeas in the ‘Extra’ class must be of superior quality and free from defects, with the exception of very slight superficial defects, provided these do not affect the product’s general appearance, quality or presentation in the package.

Dried chickpeas in class ‘I’ must be of good quality. Slight defects may be allowed provided these do not affect the product’s general appearance, quality or presentation in the package....

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

—

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

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

The chickpeas are grown in the demarcated geographical area.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

Chickpeas covered by the protected geographical indication may not be placed on the market in bulk.

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

Any packaging in which the chickpeas are dispatched for consumption must bear a numbered secondary label that must include the EU’s PGI symbol and the name ‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’, together with the PGI’s own logo.

The labels must be affixed by the packaging plant in such a way that they cannot be reused.

The logo of the protected geographical indication ‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’ is:

Image 2

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area where the chickpeas are grown extends over 687 km2 and covers the comarca of La Guareña, located at the far south-eastern end of the province of Zamora. To the north, it borders the Duero Bajo area and to the west the comarca of Tierra del Vino, both in the province of Zamora. To the south, it borders the comarca of La Armuña in the province of Salamanca.

It comprises the following municipalities in the province of Zamora:

Argujillo, La Bóveda de Toro, Cañizal, Castrillo de la Guareña, El Cubo de Tierra del Vino, Cuelgamures, Fuentelapeña, Fuentesaúco, Fuentespreadas, Gema, Guarrate, El Maderal, El Pego, El Piñero, San Miguel de la Ribera, Santa Clara de Avedillo, Sanzoles, Vadillo de la Guareña, Vallesa, Villabuena del Puente, Villaescusa and Villamor de los Escuderos.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Link with the geographical area

The link between the chickpeas and the geographical area is founded on the product’s reputation and renown, which derives from the high quality of the local ecotype and the area’s long tradition of chickpea growing, with local farmers knowing all there is to know about the best techniques and selection of the most suitable land.

The earliest written references to chickpea growing in the Fuentesaúco area date from the 16th century. Municipal decrees issued in Fuentesaúco in 1569 stated that chickpeas could not be brought in from any place other than Fuentesaúco: ‘since chickpeas are the asset and business of this town, we decree that no one of the town or elsewhere may take chickpeas from this town, on his own or another’s behalf. To do so shall incur the punishment of having them confiscated unless they are needed for sowing and the council has granted permission’. This protectionist measure was ratified by King Felipe II on 22 November 1571.

On 18 November 1612, King Felipe III established the title of Count of la Fuente de Saúco, which he conferred on Pedro de Deza who, aware of the unique quality of the chickpeas of Fuentesaúco, sent them as a gift to Francisco de Quevedo y Villegas. The famous writer mentioned that gift in a letter sent to Sancho Sandoval on 16 January 1639: ‘The Count of Fuente del Saúco has just sent me a gift of chickpeas from his domain, knowing that they are my favourite delicacy. I am sending you a quantity of them. They are famous throughout the world because they swell when cooked and are very tender, and because their like is not found anywhere else. If it were up to my stomach, I would not exchange them for as many pearls of the same size’.

The chickpeas became more widely known when farmers started taking them, along with other products, to the Feria de los Santos and regular Tuesday market established by King Carlos III (1716-1788). It was also around that time that the saying arose: ‘el buen garbanzo y el buen ladrón de Fuentesaúco son’ [Fuentesaúco has good chickpeas and good thieves]. The much loved chickpeas sold in the town undoubtedly came from other nearby villages too.

The land register of the Marquis de la Ensenada, compiled in 1752, mentions the chickpea production in Fuentesaúco, citing the quantities of seed used, production and sale price.

The chickpeas of Fuentesaúco acquired a certain reputation in Spanish-speaking America. Specifically, in Caracas, Venezuela, bags could be found in some grocery stores with a sign saying ‘Garbanzos de Fuentesaúco’. Given the number of people who emigrated to Venezuela from this area, it is not surprising that they were known there.

Madoz, in his statistical dictionary of 1845, says of Fuentesaúco: ‘it produces the chickpeas that are so famous everywhere, although in some of the other villages they are just as good’, referring to the fact that all the area’s chickpeas had come to be known as Fuentesaúco chickpeas.

Benito Pérez Galdós, in Episodios Nacionales, also mentions these chickpeas.

The ‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’ has won awards on a number of occasions for its excellence and high quality. As examples, we can mention the medal received in Madrid at the Agriculture Exhibition of 1857, and the certificate of honour awarded at the General Exhibition held in Seville at the beginning of the 20th century.

Other more recent awards continue to confirm these qualities, for example ‘Best artisanal tinned product from Castile and Leon’ for Fuentesaúco chickpeas with cod in 2014; ‘Castile and Leon eco-farming award’ for organic Fuentesaúco chickpeas in 2015; ‘Rural World Award’ for ‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’ PGI from the Caja Rural de Zamora in 2016; and, as a pulse produced in Castile and Leon, the ‘Best food award: pulses of Castile and Leon’ from the El Norte de Castilla newspaper in 2017.

There are quite a few references to the ‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’ in 20th century literature. The Nobel laureate in literature Camilo José Cela, in his novel Judíos, Moros y Cristianos [Jews, Moors and Christians], wrote:

‘Fuentesaúco de Fuentidueña, in Segovia, is not the Fuentesaúco famous for its chickpeas, although they also grow there. The Fuentesaúco known for its chickpeas is the one in Zamora’.

The ‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’ is renowned throughout the country. It has often been mentioned in the media, even when the topic of discussion is not food. For example, the magazine La Hoja del Mar from the first quarter of 1979, published by the Instituto Social de la Marina, says:

‘Close to Cartagena there was a village which, until the last century, was called Garbanzal [...]. The interesting thing is that the best chickpeas are not from Murcia but from Castile, and the most famous are the chickpeas of Fuentesaúco’.

There are numerous references in the media: local and regional newspapers, the specialist press (titles such as Origen, Viajar, España Gastronomica, Verema); news programmes on local and national television and radio; and on numerous websites (robinfoodtv, canal cocina, planeta en conserva, te ayudo a cocinar and others). The chickpeas also feature in cookery books and food magazines such as Las legumbres de Castilla y León en la gastronomía del siglo XXI and Legumbres españolas con garantía de calidad y origen reconocida por la UE, published by the Spanish government.

In culinary circles, the name ‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’ is always associated with quality superior to that of any other chickpeas. In the El País newspaper supplement from the first week of February 1989, there was an article by the journalist Carlos Delgado entitled Al amor de la Lumbre which looked at the history of cocido [traditional Spanish stew] and included a set of recipes, where he writes: ‘and if the chickpeas are from Fuentesaúco, so much the better’.

The traditional use of chickpeas in a wide range of dishes is reflected in recipes created by renowned chefs such as Antonio González at El Rincón de Antonio and Pedro and Oscar at El Ermitaño, and even ‘maître patissier’ Justo Almendrote, who has been known to use them in his patisserie creations, making the most of the product’s versatility.

Natural link:

The characteristics of ‘Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco’ are linked to the soil and climatic characteristics of the production area, and to the ecotype grown.

Climate:

Climate:

Winters are long and cold with frequent frosts. This acts as a natural control for the pests and diseases that affect chickpeas.

In May and June, when the crop is developing the most, the average maximum temperature is around 26 °C and the average minimum around 11 °C.

At these temperatures, the plants produce carbohydrates and proteins and transport them to the seeds slowly. In addition, the plants’ respiratory activity slows down at night because of the drop in temperature. These factors directly influence the organoleptic characteristics of the endosperm.

Winter rainfall is abundant, which allows reserves of water to accumulate in the soil. In April, May and June, when the crop is developing, average rainfall is low, at around 45 l/m2 per month.

In July, when the seeds are ripening, the average rainfall is around 17 l/m2. The crop develops and the peas ripen in these low rainfall conditions, drawing on the water reserves in the soil, all of which directly affects the organoleptic characteristics of the chickpeas.

Geology:

Geology:

The cultivation areas are established on Quaternary deposits. These deposits are formed of sandy materials with good drainage and are deep, with a low organic matter content. These are the main features that distinguish the area studied.

A very significant lithological change is apparent when moving eastwards in the area studied, to an area of clay materials. Going northeast, we find loam, clay and silt, while to the west, granite materials start to appear.

It is therefore clear from the geomorphological study carried out that the area has distinctive geological characteristics which, combined with the climatic conditions, distinguish it from the surrounding areas.

Soils:

Soils:

In the demarcated area there are extensive areas of land with deep, well-drained soil, consisting of loamy sand or sandy loam, with an acidic or weakly basic pH, low to average assimilable calcium and little or no salinity. These soil conditions give the chickpeas specific characteristics, especially those related to their fine skin, high water absorption capacity and buttery texture.

The Fuentesaúco ecotype:

The Fuentesaúco ecotype:

The planting of the macrocarpum variety of Cicer arietinum L. in the demarcated area over countless generations has given rise to the local ‘Fuentesaúco’ ecotype, undemanding but with low productivity, which represents the highest degree of adaptation to the production area. This seed is genetic heritage of major importance, as it has genes for resistance to the area’s main pests and diseases.

Human factors:

Human factors:

Farmers focus their cultivation practices on the production of quality chickpeas, regarding productivity as a secondary objective, and on the basis of experience acquired over several generations they are able to identify the most suitable land parcels for this. In addition, they avoid mixing different batches, thus ensuring a uniform product that is appreciated by most consumers.

Reference to publication of the specification

Reference to publication of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

http://www.itacyl.es/documents/20143/342640/2020_06_08+Pliego+IGP+Garbanzo+F+-Modificado-MM+.pdf/8b5167c3-16cb-959f-ae10-86c3a9c57466?t=1596450364056

---

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

1

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| 11.3.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 82/28 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

11.3.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 82/28

---

Publication of the amended single document following the approval of a minor amendment pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

(2021/C 82/13)

The European Commission has approved this minor amendment in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 6(2) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (1).

The application for approval of this minor amendment can be consulted in the Commission’s eAmbrosia database.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Queso Tetilla’/‘Queixo Tetilla’

EU No: PDO-ES-0088-AM02 – 16.9.2020

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Name

‘Queso Tetilla’/‘Queixo Tetilla’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Spain

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.3. Cheeses

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

Cheese made from the milk of cows of the Rubia Gallega, Friesian or Brown Alpine breeds or their crosses by means of a process comprising coagulation, cutting, draining and (optionally) washing the curd, moulding, pressing, salting and maturation and that has the following characteristics:

Physical characteristics:

| — | Shape: conical, concave-convex. |
| --- | --- |

—

Shape: conical, concave-convex.

| — | Weight: 0,5 kg to 1,5 kg. |
| --- | --- |

—

Weight: 0,5 kg to 1,5 kg.

| — | Dimensions: the height is greater than the radius of the base and less than the diameter. Maximum: 150 mm (height and diameter of the base). Minimum: 90 mm (height and diameter of the base). A 10 % margin of tolerance is permitted for the maximum dimensions of the base of cheeses weighing more than 1 kg. |
| --- | --- |

—

Dimensions: the height is greater than the radius of the base and less than the diameter. Maximum: 150 mm (height and diameter of the base). Minimum: 90 mm (height and diameter of the base). A 10 % margin of tolerance is permitted for the maximum dimensions of the base of cheeses weighing more than 1 kg.

Organoleptic characteristics:

| — | Rind: noticeable, thin and elastic, less than 3 mm thick, straw yellow in colour, natural and without mould. The cheese may be put up for sale covered with a transparent, colourless anti-mould coating. |
| --- | --- |

—

Rind: noticeable, thin and elastic, less than 3 mm thick, straw yellow in colour, natural and without mould. The cheese may be put up for sale covered with a transparent, colourless anti-mould coating.

| — | Paste: uniform, soft, creamy and without holes or with a few small, regularly distributed holes; yellowish ivory in colour. |
| --- | --- |

—

Paste: uniform, soft, creamy and without holes or with a few small, regularly distributed holes; yellowish ivory in colour.

| — | Smell: mild, slightly acidic and reminiscent of the milk from which it comes. |
| --- | --- |

—

Smell: mild, slightly acidic and reminiscent of the milk from which it comes.

| — | Flavour and aroma: milky, buttery, slightly acidic and slightly salty. |
| --- | --- |

—

Flavour and aroma: milky, buttery, slightly acidic and slightly salty.

Physico-chemical characteristics:

| — | Percentage of fat in dry matter: minimum of 45 %. |
| --- | --- |

—

Percentage of fat in dry matter: minimum of 45 %.

| — | Percentage of dry matter: minimum of 45 %. |
| --- | --- |

—

Percentage of dry matter: minimum of 45 %.

| — | pH: from 5,0 to 5,5. |
| --- | --- |

—

pH: from 5,0 to 5,5.

| — | Water content expressed as a percentage of the fat-free matter (measured between 8 and 15 days after production): from 66 % to 72 %. |
| --- | --- |

—

Water content expressed as a percentage of the fat-free matter (measured between 8 and 15 days after production): from 66 % to 72 %.

‘Queso Tetilla’ is a traditional non-geographical name that refers to the unique shape of the cheese, that of a female breast, with the physical characteristics described under this point.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

| a) | Feed: grassland and forage crops in the production area are an important constituent of the cows’ diet. An important role is also played by extensive grasslands (pasture land and pasture with bushes), where the animals graze freely when conditions permit.
  Concentrated feed of vegetable origin is used as a supplement to cover the cows’ energy requirements. As far as possible, the raw materials from which it is produced originate in the defined geographical area. |
| --- | --- |

a)

Feed: grassland and forage crops in the production area are an important constituent of the cows’ diet. An important role is also played by extensive grasslands (pasture land and pasture with bushes), where the animals graze freely when conditions permit.

Concentrated feed of vegetable origin is used as a supplement to cover the cows’ energy requirements. As far as possible, the raw materials from which it is produced originate in the defined geographical area.

| b) | Raw materials: ‘Queso Tetilla’ is made from cow’s milk; animal rennet or other coagulating enzymes expressly authorised for the production of this cheese; lactic fermenting agents: Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris and any such agents that do not alter the characteristics of the protected cheese and that are expressly authorised for the production of cheese covered by this protected designation of origin; salt and, optionally, calcium chloride. Authorisations are granted by the competent authority at the request of the applicant group. The competent authority may authorise the use of new coagulating enzymes and lactic fermenting agents after verifying that the resulting cheese has the characteristics specific to ‘Queso Tetilla’.
  The cheese is made from whole natural milk of cows of the Rubia Gallega, Friesian or Brown Alpine breeds or their crosses on holdings located within the defined geographical area.
  The milk must contain neither colostrum nor preservatives. No procedures to standardise the milk or processes that change its initial composition are permitted.
  It may not be mixed with milk not obtained from registered holdings or milk from breeds other than those specified in the specification. |
| --- | --- |

b)

Raw materials: ‘Queso Tetilla’ is made from cow’s milk; animal rennet or other coagulating enzymes expressly authorised for the production of this cheese; lactic fermenting agents: Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris and any such agents that do not alter the characteristics of the protected cheese and that are expressly authorised for the production of cheese covered by this protected designation of origin; salt and, optionally, calcium chloride. Authorisations are granted by the competent authority at the request of the applicant group. The competent authority may authorise the use of new coagulating enzymes and lactic fermenting agents after verifying that the resulting cheese has the characteristics specific to ‘Queso Tetilla’.

The cheese is made from whole natural milk of cows of the Rubia Gallega, Friesian or Brown Alpine breeds or their crosses on holdings located within the defined geographical area.

The milk must contain neither colostrum nor preservatives. No procedures to standardise the milk or processes that change its initial composition are permitted.

It may not be mixed with milk not obtained from registered holdings or milk from breeds other than those specified in the specification.

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

Production of the milk, the preliminary operations to which it is subject and the production and maturation of the cheese must take place within the geographical area defined in point 4. All steps in production must therefore take place within the defined geographical area.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product to which the registered name refers

‘Queso Tetilla’ may be marketed only if the exterior of the rind shows the natural characteristics acquired during maturation.

The rind provides the cheese with a natural protective covering. The cheese is therefore sold without artificial packaging. However, ‘Queso Tetilla’ may be packaged provided that the packaging is such that it does not affect any of the physical, organoleptic or physico-chemical characteristics described in point 3.2, subject to verification by the inspection body that this is the case and subsequent authorisation of the packaging.

In addition, the cheese may be covered with a transparent, colourless anti-mould coating.

‘Queso Tetilla’ is dispatched by the cheesemakers whole. Cheeses weighing more than 0,7 kg may also be placed on sale in self-service outlets in halves, in which case the cheeses must bear two secondary labels, one on each side of the product, and two sets of all the other elements guaranteeing the authenticity of the product, so that, after cutting, both halves retain their identifying particulars.

Where the cheeses are to be sold in halves, since one of the faces of the half cheeses will lose the natural protective covering provided by the rind, the cheeses must be cut at the point of sale to the final consumer and the halves may be covered with a transparent food-grade film.

Cutting at the point of sale ensures that the product is displayed for sale in the artificial packaging (the film) for the shortest time possible and therefore the quality of the product is not affected.

The cheese may only be cut in half, since this preserves the unique shape of the cheese, that of a female breast, which is recognised by the consumer.

However, irrespective of its weight, ‘Queso Tetilla’ may be cut into portions of any size in retail outlets provided that cutting takes place in front of the consumer at the time of sale.

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product to which the registered name refers

Cheeses with the protected designation of origin ‘Queso Tetilla’ must bear the specific label of the designation (secondary label), guaranteeing the product’s authenticity. The secondary label of each cheese must bear a unique alphanumeric serial number and the logo of the protected designation of origin ‘Queso Tetilla’, which is shown below:

Image 3

In addition, the commercial labels of each producer must prominently bear the words ‘Denominación de Origen Protegida’ [Protected Designation of Origin] and ‘Queso Tetilla’ or ‘Queixo Tetilla’ and the European protected designation of origin logo.

In order to guarantee the product’s authenticity and ensure traceability, the secondary guarantee labels and the commercial labels bearing the reference to the protected designation of origin ‘Queso Tetilla’ must be affixed to the product at the producers’ premises and in such a way as to prevent their re-use.

As set out in point 3.5, cheeses intended for sale in halves must bear two secondary labels, one on each side of the product, and two sets of all the other elements guaranteeing the authenticity of the product, so that, after cutting, both halves retain their identifying particulars.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The milk and the cheeses covered by the protected designation of origin ‘Queso Tetilla’ are produced throughout the whole of the Autonomous Community of Galicia.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Specificity of the geographical area

Galicia is characterised by low mountain terrain and an extensive river system. This mountain terrain and the prevailing Atlantic climate (marked by abundant rainfall) favour the development of pasture (both natural and cultivated) and high yields for forage and other crops. The high productivity obtained from the land allows intense livestock farming and, as a consequence, a large dairy products sector.

The human factor should also be stressed, both in milk production, based on family farms and still using traditional methods, and in cheesemaking, where age-old practices are used, although adapted to technological progress and statutory hygiene and food safety requirements.

Specificity of the product

Of the wide range of products that represent Galician gastronomy, ‘Queso Tetilla’ is one of those most identified with the region.

It is a soft cheese whose main organoleptic characteristics are its creaminess, its mild, milky smell, its mild, slightly acidic and slightly salty taste and its milky, buttery aroma, characteristics that together are reminiscent of the milk from which the cheese is produced. The cheese is highly soluble and easily digested.

Finally, a characteristic feature of the cheese is its unique shape, that of a female breast, from which it gets its name and which allows consumers to distinguish ‘Queso Tetilla’ on sight from other cheeses.

Causal link between the geographical area and the characteristics of the product

The geographical environment is ideal for the growth of extensive, top-quality pasture, the use of which has intensified over the past two decades. The significant quantity of this forage in the diet of Galician dairy herds and the plant species that form part of that diet (with a significant percentage of leguminous plants) affect the composition of the milk and the organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of the matured cheese, in particular its creaminess and the colour of the paste and the rind.

In addition, the milk is produced on family farms using rational stockfarming methods. The characteristics of these farms make the milk produced on them ideal for making this cheese.

The traditional production method, in which the know-how of the region’s producers, with their long experience of making this cheese, plays a decisive role, and which involves a short maturation period, gives the cheese its characteristic creaminess and mild taste.

Lastly, the unique shape of the cheese, that of a female breast, which the cheese acquires during moulding and pressing, is immediately recognised by consumers, who associate it directly with its origin in Galicia, where this unique cheese has exclusively been made since before the first written references to it in the 18th century. Subsequently, from the 19th century, written references to the cheese become common, both in general texts and in more specific scientific and technical works and texts on gastronomy. Of particular note, in view of its international nature, is the reference in O’Shea’s Guide to Spain and Portugal, published in London in 1889, which strongly recommends that travellers try the ‘unique Galician cheese, ‘queso de teta’, a typical product of Galician gastronomy’.

Reference to publication of the product specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of the Regulation)

https://mediorural.xunta.gal/sites/default/files/produtos/en-tramitacion/QuesoTetillaPliego-condiciones-febrero_2020_final.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 179, 19.6.2014, p. 17.

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