Product specifications
The specifications of a product under Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is the guarantor of a quality product.
The Bleu d’Auvergne PDO product specifications specify all production regulations from the geographic area of production to refining, including the conditions for feeding livestock. These production regulations guarantee a link with the geographical area and preserve traditional production methods. The PDO Defence and Management Organisation (DMO) and the PDO national committee for agro-food products, the INAO, determine the production conditions.
The first product specifications for Bleu d’Auvergne PDO were set in 1975. They specified the geographical area of production and a number of processing conditions. Many changes have been introduced since that time.
A PDO is a living product that is continually evolving so product specifications must also evolve. This is why SIRBA (the Regional Inter-professional Bleu d’Auvergne Syndicate) recently reviewed the product specifications for Bleu d’Auvergne and introduced significant changes in order to reduce the size of the protected area and strengthen the PDO’s link to the geographical area. This means it is possible to more clearly define the savoir-faire of each producer while undeniably improving the quality of the product.
Further, by refocusing around the mountainous area, by reinforcing grazing, the role of grass and traceability, by prohibiting controversial foods, the new product specifications perfectly meet social expectations (origin, production methods, etc.).
The initiative aims to ensure that Bleu d’Auvergne PDO represents a gold standard amongst blue vein cheeses.