The Food & Farming Group in Defra’s regional food team has warned of an important change coming up that will affect the labelling of all products under the EU protected-food-names scheme.

The group said in a statement: “At the moment, there is no requirement for registered products to carry the logo and/or the words Protected Designation of Origin, Protected Geographical Indication or Traditional Speciality Guaranteed.”

But from May 1, 2009, articles in two European Council regulations will take effect, which will mean that the registered name cannot be used unless it is accompanied by the relevant wording or logo.