A PDO
Since May 2009, the Controlled Designation of Origin (CDO) has been extended to a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) so that all Europeans will be able to identify these high quality products.
Protected Designation of Origin, or PDO, is a European label that sets out to protect a product that is defined by its area of production (geographical area), its history, and the savoir-faire necessary for its creation (specific production conditions (animal husbandry, manufacture, etc.). As a consequence, it is subjected to strict monitoring. Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is the European equivalent of France’s official label, Controlled Designation of Origin (CDO). The characteristics of a product protected in this way are essentially linked to the geographical area.
Any designation of origin begins with a request from an inter-professional body that represents the actors within a particular production sector. In order for Protected Designation of Origin to be awarded, this body must submit to the INAO the product specifications that it intends to apply to its own manufacturing process and that specifically define its characteristics.
When it comes to Bleu d’Auvergne PDO, the product specifications must relate to the geographical area of production, a description of the product, milk quality and a list of specific conditions for production of the cheese throughout all its different stages. Following registration, producers are committed to strictly observe the product specifications, supervised by the INAO.