The European Commission has decided to amend the rules governing logos used by agricultural products – including a number of fresh fruits and vegetables – that are protected by protected geographical indications (PGIs) and protected designations of origin (PDOs).
The amendment, which sees the introduction of a new red and yellow logo for PDO products and a bright blue and yellow one for PGI products, is designed to make it easier to distinguish between the two symbols.
The current PDO and PGI logos are identical in terms of shape, colour and design, with only the wording inside the symbols making it possible to tell them apart.
'In the light of experience gained since they were adopted and with the aim of promoting their use, it should be made easier for consumers to distinguish between protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications,' the Commission stated. 'Different colours should therefore be used for the symbols relating to the two different indications.'
In order to ensure that changing the colours of the Community symbols does not cause problems for producers and traders, the Commission has proposed a transitional period, during which it will be possible to use both sets of symbols. This period is set to last until 1 May 2010.
To download a copy of the EC regulation amendment, click here
