Under new Commission proposals, all members of the World Trade Organisation would have the right to object to registration of protected designations of origin (PDO) or protected geographical indications (PGI). This would improve their recognition on international markets outside the EU helping to boost exports, the Commission claims.

'The EU produces a range of high-quality and speciality foodstuffs,' said EU farm commissioner Franz Fischler. 'Better protecting their geographical indication from pirating or unfair competition will not only help to inform consumers better world-wide, it will also encourage producers who can be safe in the knowledge that their produce receives its legitimate world-wide recognition.' So far the only British fresh produce line to have gained PGI/PDO status are Jersey Royal potatoes. Other products granted the status in the EU include: Spain's loquats from Callosa d'en Sarriá and bagged table grapes from Vinalopó; Italy's peaches and nectarines from Romagna and Sicilian blood oranges; and Chasselas grape from Moissac and Nantes Lambs Lettuce from France.

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