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

(2022/C 327/06)

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

‘Miele della Lunigiana’

EU No: PDO-IT-0195-AM01 – 8.7.2021

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1. Applicant group and legitimate interest

Consorzio Miele della Lunigiana DOP [Miele della Lunigiana PDO Protection Association], c/o Unione dei Comuni - Piazza delle Libertà, 17 - 54013 Fivizzano

Email: mieledellalunigiandop@yahoo.it

Certified email: mieledellalunigiandop@arubapec.it

The aforementioned association meets the requirements laid down in Article 13(1) of Ministerial Decree No 12511 of 14 October 2013.

2. Member State or Third Country

Italy

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

☐ Name of product

☒ Description of product

☒ Geographical area

☐ Proof of origin

☒ Method of production

☐ Link

☒ Labelling

☒ Other: Packaging, information on 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 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)

Description of product

The amendment concerns Article 2 of the specification, point 4.2 of the published summary and point 3.2 of the single document. In particular, the hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content has been modified for both the acacia and chestnut types of Miele della Lunigiana.

Current version:

‘Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content: not more than 10 mg/kg at the time of packaging in jars’

New version:

‘Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content: not more than 10 mg/kg within 4 months of honey extraction’

The dynamics of beekeeping establishments have changed since the PDO was recognised. The establishments used to be very small operations to supplement other income, but nowadays a large proportion of them are professional farmers who also market the product through packagers, thus increasing handling time of the product. Moreover, also the distribution channels used and market dynamics have changed. Whereas previously, the product was put on sale and would run out over the course of the year, nowadays, working with large retailers means that it is necessary to maintain a constant supply of the product over a longer period and ensure that it is always in stock in supermarkets, so as not to lose market positions that are difficult to regain.

This lengthening of the period for packaging the product for release for consumption makes it difficult to keep the hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) parameter within the limits laid down in the specification, as it is a value that increases with the passage of time as well as after heating the honey, which is sometimes necessary to be able to package it in cases where it has thickened.

Shifting the period for verifying the parameter does not mean that there is no control over the quality of the product, since the value of this parameter by law is 40 mg/kg, which is much higher than that laid down in the specification.

The purpose of the amendment to the specification is to ensure that HMF is measured in the 4 months following extraction, when the honey has clarified. In any case, the parameters laid down by law are complied with at the marketing stage.

Geographical area

This amendment concerns point 4.3 of the published summary, now point 4 of the single document.

Current version:

‘The production, processing, preparation and packaging area for Acacia and Chestnut “Miele della Lunigiana” comprises the part of the province of Massa Carrara, in the Tuscany Region, that corresponds to the area of the Lunigiana Mountain Community, covering approximately 97 000 ha.’

New version:

‘The production area for Acacia and Chestnut “Miele della Lunigiana” comprises the following municipalities in the province of Massa Carrara: Pontremoli, Zeri, Mulazzo, Tresana, Podenzana, Aulla, Fosdinovo, Filattiera, Bagnone, Villafranca in Lunigiana, Licciana Nardi, Comano, Fivizzano and Casola in Lunigiana. This area is a single expanse of land covering approximately 97 000 ha, and corresponds to the area of the Lunigiana Mountain Community. ’

The production area has not changed, but the list of municipalities was included only in the product specification and not in the published summary. The list of municipalities has therefore been added to the single document.

Method of production

The amendment concerns Article 5 of the specification, point 5.3 - Extraction and processing, and point 4.5 of the published summary. The dehumidification phase has been added.

The following phrase has been added:

‘Dehumidification may be carried out using ambient dehumidifiers which create a current of dry air, or using machines suitable for dehumidifying honey, such as disc dehumidifiers.’

It is essential to check the moisture content of honey in order to preserve its qualities and characteristics. In recent years, excessive moisture has been detected in honey on a number of occasions due to frequent rainfall during the flowering period, making it necessary to include a dehumidification phase in order to bring the honey within stability parameters. The best conditions for the collection of quality honey are found in flowering seasons that are fresh with adequate, but not excessive, humidity, while conditions are unfavourable when rainfall is more frequent. The introduction of dehumidification would mean that the collection of honey would not be jeopardised precisely in those unfavourable seasons where there is a lower quantity of honey. The excess moisture content of the honey and the possible high temperatures following it being placed on the market could encourage the proliferation of osmophilic yeasts, which cause fermentation, and thus cause ‘Miele della Lunigiana’ to lose its characteristics of quality and excellence.

Labelling

The amendment concerns Article 8 of the specification, point 4.8 of the published summary and point 3.6 of the single document.

Current version:

‘(1) Acacia or Chestnut “Miele della Lunigiana”;

(2) PDO – Protected Designation of Origin;

(3) PDO logo within the meaning of Regulation (EEC) No 1726/98: this logo may be included either on the label or on the seal to be affixed to the packaging;

(4) The date of minimum durability referred to in Articles 3 and 9 of Directive 2000/13/EC must be indicated by the following words “best before end”, followed by the month and year; that date must not in any case be later than two years from the date of packaging.’

New version:

‘(1) Acacia or Chestnut “Miele della Lunigiana”;

(2) The acronym “DOP” [PDO], or “Denominazione di Origine Protetta” [Protected Designation of Origin] written out in full;

(3) EU logo: this logo may be included either on the label or on the seal to be affixed to the packaging;

(4) The date of minimum durability by law, which must not in any case be later than two years from the date of packaging;

(5) The name of the designation and the EU logo must appear on the label or on the packaging in clear, indelible lettering in a colour that strongly contrasts with the colour of the label; all other terms must be in smaller characters than those of the protected designation; ’

The amendment will allow the acronym ‘PDO’ to be used as an alternative to the full wording, meaning it will be possible to adapt it to the different sizes of packaging.

In addition, outdated references to legislation have been deleted and reference has been made to the rules in force.

The possibility has been introduced to adapt the graphic presentation of the name and logo depending on the packaging used.

Other

Packaging

The amendment concerns Article 5 point 5.4 of the specification, point 4.5 of the published summary and point 3.5 of the [single] document on types of packaging. In addition, outdated references to legislation have been deleted.

Current version:

‘Only glass packaging with a twist-off cap is permitted, in the following formats: 30 to 1 000 g’

New version:

‘The product may be packaged in any containers of a capacity and food-grade material permitted by the laws in force, preferably those made entirely of recyclable or compostable material. Only Miele della Lunigiana PDO not intended for end consumers may be packaged in large-capacity food-grade containers’.

The packaging methods laid down in the current specification have proved to be a major limitation both for the sales stage and for the promotion of the product. The option to use any type of container for packaging will make it possible to better respond to market demands.

In addition, being able to package honey not intended for end consumers in large-capacity containers will allow ‘Miele della Lunigiana’ PDO to be used as an ingredient in processed products. Indicating that fully recyclable or compostable packaging materials should be preferred will provide greater encouragement to operators to choose such materials.

Current version:

‘b) guarantee control and traceability of the product in order to ensure the effectiveness of the compulsory checks carried out by the authorised body at all stages of production provided for in Article 7 of this specification (within the meaning of Article 10 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92).’

New version:

‘b) guarantee control and traceability of the product in order to ensure the effectiveness of the compulsory checks carried out by the authorised body at all stages of production provided for in the legislation in force.’

The reference to the repealed legislation has been deleted;

The amendment concerns Article 7 of the product specification.

Current version:

‘Pursuant to Article 10 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081 of 14 July 1992, an approved private body verifies compliance with the provisions of this product specification’.

New version:

‘Verification of the product’s compliance with the specification is carried out by an inspection body in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1151/2012. The inspection body is: Bioagricert srl, Via dei Macabraccia n.8/3-4-5, Casalecchio di Reno (Province of Bologna); Telephone: 051 562158; Certified email: Bioagricert@pec.bioagricert.org;; Email: info@bioagricert.org’

The article on checks has been updated by entering the details of the inspection body and updating the legal references.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Miele della Lunigiana’

EU No: PDO-IT-0195-AM01 – 8.7.2021

PDO (X) PGI ( )

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

’Miele della Lunigiana'

2. Member State or Third Country

Italy

3. Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1. Type of product [as in Annex XI]

Class 1.4. Other products of animal origin (eggs, honey, various dairy products except butter, etc.)

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

The protected designation of origin ‘Miele della Lunigiana’ is reserved for the following two types of honey: acacia honey and chestnut honey.

Acacia ‘Miele della Lunigiana’ is defined as honey produced from flowers of Robinia pseudoacacia L. Chestnut ‘Miele della Lunigiana’ is defined as honey produced from flowers of Castanea sativa M.

Characteristics of product

Acacia ‘Miele della Lunigiana’

Organoleptic characteristics

Acacia ‘Miele della Lunigiana’ has the following characteristics:

— It remains clear and liquid for a long time. Towards the end of the marketing period, some partial crystallisation may occur, but without leading to complete crystallisation;

— Consistency: always viscous, depending on the water content;

— Colour: very light, ranging from almost colourless to straw-yellow;

— Aroma: light, short-lasting, fruity and candied, similar to that of the flowers;

— Taste: decidedly sweet, slightly acidic but not bitter. The flavour is very delicate, typically with a note of vanilla, short-lasting and without aftertaste.

Chemical, physical and microscopic characteristics

In addition to the requirements laid down by the legislation in force, Acacia ‘Miele della Lunigiana’ must have the following characteristics:

— Water content: not more than 18 %;

— Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content: not more than 10 mg/kg within 4 months of honey extraction.

Melissopalynological characteristics

The honey sediment is generally low in pollen, with less than 20 000 grains of acacia pollen per 10 g of honey.

Chestnut ‘Miele della Lunigiana’

Organoleptic characteristics

Chestnut ‘Miele della Lunigiana’ has the following characteristics:

— It remains liquid for a long time. Towards the end of the marketing period, partial and irregular crystallisation may occur;

— Colour: dark amber, often with reddish tones;

— Aroma: fairly strong and pungent;

— Taste: long-lasting, with some degree of bitterness.

Chemical, physical and microscopic characteristics

In addition to the requirements laid down by the legislation in force, Chestnut ‘Miele della Lunigiana’ must have the following characteristics:

— Water content: not more than 18 %;

— Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content: not more than 10 mg/kg within 4 months of honey extraction.

Melissopalynological characteristics

The honey sediment is rich in pollen, with more than 100 000 grains of chestnut pollen per 10 g of honey.

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

Any artificial feeding must be suspended before the frames are inserted and must, in any case, comprise only sugar and water.

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

All stages of production, processing and preparation must take place in the defined geographical area.

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

The product may be packaged in any containers of a capacity and food-grade material permitted by the laws in force, preferably those made entirely of recyclable or compostable material. Only ‘Miele della Lunigiana’ PDO not intended for end consumers may be packaged in large-capacity food-grade containers. The product must be packaged within the defined geographical area. Packaging within the defined geographical area, along with the other phases of production, is a traditional practice in the area and is justified in order to:

a) protect the quality of the product, in that packaging within the defined area avoids any risk of deterioration in the honey’s chemical/physical and organoleptic characteristics that might be caused by the unavoidable movements and variations in physical and environmental conditions occurring during transport to another area;

b) guarantee control and traceability of the product in order to ensure the effectiveness of the compulsory checks carried out by the authorised body at all stages of production provided for in the legislation in force.

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

Information relating to the designation and presentation of the packaged product is regulated by the legislation in force. In addition to the information required by law, the following information must include the following:

(1) Acacia or chestnut ‘Miele della Lunigiana’;

(2) The acronym ‘DOP’ [PDO], or ‘Denominazione di Origine Protetta’ [Protected Designation of Origin] written out in full;

(3) EU logo: this logo may be included either on the label or on the seal to be affixed to the packaging;

(4) The date of minimum durability, which must not in any case be later than two years from the date of packaging;

(5) The name of the designation and the logo must appear on the label or on the packaging in clear, indelible lettering in a colour that strongly contrasts with the colour of the label; all other terms must be in smaller characters than those of the protected designation.

Other optional information to assist the consumer and/or nutritional information may also appear on the label.

4. Concise definition of the geographical area

The production area for Acacia and Chestnut ‘Miele della Lunigiana’ comprises the following municipalities in the province of Massa Carrara: Pontremoli, Zeri, Mulazzo, Tresana, Podenzana, Aulla, Fosdinovo, Filattiera, Bagnone, Villafranca in Lunigiana, Licciana Nardi, Comano, Fivizzano and Casola in Lunigiana.

This area is a single expanse of land covering approximately 97 000 ha, and corresponds to the area of the Lunigiana Mountain Community.

5. Link with the geographical area

The production area is generally mountainous. To the north and east, it is separated from the Po Valley by the ridge of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, while the limestone chain of the Apuan Alps to the south and the end of the Ligurian Apennines to the west divide the Lunigiana from other neighbouring valleys.

In the centre of the area is a wide, alluvial, intramontane basin with a complex system of rivers, of which the most important is the River Magra, into which all the water courses in the area flow.

The proximity of the Lunigiana to the sea and the complexity of the mountain landscape create a wide range of microclimatic gradients, with the lower-lying areas subject to the effects of thermal inversion, creating frequent night-time fogs that often last until late morning, and the hills enjoying a milder climate.

The soils and the mountainous nature of the Lunigiana have meant that the area has not been exploited in an intensive way; this, together with a lack of industrial development, has preserved the integrity of the environment with its abundant woodland. The Lunigiana currently has around 65 000 ha of woodland, accounting for 67 % of its area. The most common species are acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) and chestnut (Castanea sativa). Acacia, a species of tree used for consolidating slopes, now grows naturally and is widespread in abandoned areas. During the brief but very intense flowering period in April/May, bees produce large quantities of nectar from the blossom.

Chestnut trees, which have been grown since Roman times, have been an important resource for farming families in the Lunigiana, both as a source of food and for other uses (charcoal, wood and tannin), and during the flowering period in June and July are visited by bees. The abundance of these two species has therefore, over time, encouraged beekeepers to produce the two types of honey.

Beekeeping has traditionally been carried out in the environment because of the sparse population, and the activity is widespread throughout the area. The abundance of the two species, acacia and chestnut, and the favourable sequence of flowering permit the production of particularly pure honey.

Beekeeping has always been carried out in the Lunigiana and a number of historical documents attest to this and to the product’s renown. A document from Napoleonic times notes the number of hives in operation and the production and sale of honey to a range of traders. The same document notes that there was a candle factory producing for the local market. The area has a continuous tradition of producing honey and beehive products going back centuries, and the establishment in 1873 of the Beekeepers’ Association, the principal aim of which was the dissemination of rational beekeeping practices, is a clear demonstration of the activity’s deep roots in the Lunigiana.

Reference to publication of the product specification

The full text of the product specification is available on the following website: http://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/3335

or alternatively:

by going directly to the home page of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy (www.politicheagricole.it) and clicking on ‘Qualità’ (at the top right of the screen), then on ‘Prodotti DOP IGP STG’ (on the left-hand side of the screen) and finally on ‘Disciplinari di Produzione all’esame dell’UE’.

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