Abstract
The concepts of free movement of goods and competition are enshrined in European Union law. However, it is possible to seek to obtain a "protected designation of origin" (PDO) for certain goods. Once obtained the PDO does indeed protect the specified goods from elements of competition. A "Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) are geographical indications defined in European Union Law to protect the names of regional foods. The law ensures that only products genuinely originating in that region are allowed in commerce as such. The legislation came into force in 1992. The purpose of the law is to protect the reputation of the regional foods and eliminate the unfair competition and misleading of consumers by non-genuine products, which may be of inferior quality or of different flavor". Briefly, this European Community Certification covers the term used to describe high-quality European foodstuffs which are produced, processed and prepared in a given geographical area using recognised know-how.
