Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 91996E2207

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2207/96 by Eolo PARODI to the Commission. PDO label for Ligurian pesto** 
  
*Official Journal C 011 , 13/01/1997 P. 0064*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2207/96 by Eolo Parodi (UPE) to the Commission (9 August 1996)

Subject: PDO label for Ligurian pesto

Genoese pesto, an authentically Ligurian sauce, is not protected in any way at Community level. Most seriously, the various non-Ligurian products sold under the name of pesto and the like have altered the nature of 'genuine typical Genoese pesto' resulting from the ingredients from which it is made, namely Ligurian basil, extra virgin olive-oil, garlic, and Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses.

The Commission has recently announced the 318 Community products which have been awarded the 'protected designation of origin' (PDO) label. Ligurian pesto is not included.

What criteria does the Commission observe when selecting products to be protected and promoted?

Can it arrange immediately for the genuine, unique Genoese and Ligurian sauce to be placed on the list of 'PDO' products, since this is a product that is prized throughout the world on account of its geographical origin and therefore deserves to be protected and promoted, not least at Community level?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (25 September 1996)

'Pesto' was not included in the first lists of registered products as the Commission did not receive a request for registration under the procedures laid down in Regulation 2081/92 relating to the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs. ((OJ L 208 of 24 July 1992. ))

To be registered:

- the pesto must come within the scope of the Regulation, that is to say it must be one of the agricultural products listed in Annex II to the Treaty;

- there must be a link between the product and a geographical area delimited by objective natural and human factors or it must be a known geographical name.

Another approach would be to have recourse to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2082/92 on certificates of specific character for agricultural products and foodstuffs designed to protect traditional recipes without requiring a link between the product and a delimited area.(1)

These two Community schemes are voluntary so it is up to a producer group to define its product in accordance with specifications laid down and to lodge the registration request with its national authorities. If the request fulfils the criteria and definitions laid down, the national authorities forward it to the Commission. Community protection can be granted only when the criteria laid down in Articles 2 and 4 of Regulation 2081/92 and Articles 2, 4, 5 and 6 Regulation 2082/92 have been met.

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