Sometimes abbreviations, certificates, and quality labels complement product packaging. Referring to a specific regional origin or tradition, these indicators strive to enhance knowledge and ensure product quality. to avoid confusion Because of its prevalence, it is being simplified.
Within the European Union, the policy of promoting agricultural and food products has inspired the development of specific regulations. The product can combine certificates and labels.
National Institute of Appellations of Origin (INAO)
The National Institute of Appellations of Origin (INAO), a public institution, is responsible for implementing the French policy on official marks of origin and quality of agricultural and food products: AOC, AOP, IGP, STG, LR and AB. This institute oversees more than 1,000 products.
Designation of Controlled Origin (AOC) and Designation of Protected Origin (AOP)
The’Determine the controlled origin (AOC) A product that originated in a specific region or place and whose characteristics are largely attributable to that geographical environment. It is a guarantee of product quality, original frame and product knowledge. It is only practiced on French soil. It does not expressly indicate the nutritional value of the product.
The’Origin protection (PDO) to a product that is produced, processed and prepared in accordance with recognized expertise and carried out in the same geographical area, giving the product its characteristics. This European mark protects the name of the product throughout the European Union.
Since 2012, products registered at the European level must have the extension PDO . label. However, wine is allowed to wear a French AOC. In addition, only some products are covered by the AOC designation, such as forest products.
INAO noted that in 2015, 366 PDO/AOCs were recognized in the wine, cider and brandy sector, 50 PDOs in the cheese and dairy sector, and 44 PDOs in other types of agri-food products.
red mark
The red label (LR) certifies that a product has a set of characteristics that make it a higher quality product compared to the market average: for example the care taken in its manufacture (or, in the case of an animal, its breed or variety), origin, aging or maturity period, respect for Animals and the environment. This superior quality must be perceived first-hand by the consumer, especially in terms of taste. Only food, non-food and unprocessed agricultural products are eligible for Label Rouge, regardless of their geographical origin (EU or non-EU). However, this designation is only national in scope.
Organic Agriculture (AB) certificate
The AB . Certificate It certifies that production has resorted to farming and breeding practices that respect consumers’ health and natural balances. The logo identifies 100% organic or processed organic products that contain at least 95% of ingredients produced without chemicals such as pesticides and synthetic chemical fertilizers, without Antibiotics Nor genetically modified organisms. This logo is now optional in favor of the European Organic Logo.
European motto “Organic Agriculture” or “Eurofeuille”
The European organic logo is mandatory on prepackaged organic food products within the European Union. It includes the code of the certification body (FR-BIO-XX) that has checked the compliance of the organic product with the specified rules. The mention of agriculture followed by the name of the country or the European Union indicates that at least 98% of the product’s ingredients come from there. Otherwise, reference to non-EU agriculture is shown.
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
The’IGP It is attributed to a raw or processed product whose quality, reputation, etc. are related to its geographical origin, for example Bayonne ham. Applicable to the sectors of agriculture, agro-food and wine. Protects knowledge in product manufacturing both nationally and internationally.
In 2015, INAO indicated that 126 agricultural products as well as 74 wines (33% of French production) benefited from PGI.
Conventional Specialty Guarantee (STG)
The STG It is a designation that does not take into account the origin, but highlights the composition, the method of traditional production, or the transformation according to tradition. It is part of an exercise, knowledge that is specific to a geographic area but can be carried out outside that area. The traditional specialization applies only to products or foodstuffs.
In 2015, INAO indicated that of the 55 products classified in Europe, only one in France benefited from STG: the Bouchot mussels.
rewarding names
Highlight nouns, for example ” from the mountain ” where ” farms “, aims to ensure that all stages of product development, including the raw materials used and animal feed, are properly located in mountainous areas or on the farm. They do not guarantee product quality, taste or origin.
Other signs may appear on the packaging, such as ” Old “,” a house ” where ” Selected Product of the Year It only serves to highlight the product on the shelves and does not meet any quality standards.
| There are chickens and… chickens |
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| Chicken is a prime example of a product with lots of labels. Chicken, whose quality is guaranteed red label They were fed better than classic A-class chickens, raised outdoors or in the wild and killed at least 81 days of age as organic chickens (35 to 40 days for regular chicken). on the label” red label farms ». Only Bryce’s poultry benefit from a AOC – the only one in the world donated to poultry – which is shown on the ring that she wears on her leg. Raised in freedom and in the open air, they are fed on what they find as well as on puree prepared by the breeder, including cornmeal, wheat flour and milk suitable for human consumption.
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