21.03.2025 - Foods

Emmentaler – a protected designation of origin?

The EU Commission decided in January 2025 that "Emmental" is not a protected designation of origin (PDO) but rather a generic name for a type of cheese.

This decision means that the designation "Emmental" is not protected EU-wide, although Switzerland registered the name in March 2024 as a protected designation of origin in the international registry. This protection applies only in Switzerland and 43 other countries, but not in the EU. The EU Commission denied the protection as "Emmental" is historically and culturally associated with a larger region than Switzerland and is considered a generic term for this type of cheese within the EU.

In the EU, the cheese may continue to be called "Emmental" as long as it complies with national production regulations – in Germany, the Cheese Ordinance. The Emmental must therefore be a full-fat hard cheese with uniform holes and a mild, nutty flavor.

Furthermore, in the EU, geographical indications for traditional specialties can be protected. However, for "Emmental," there are only protected geographical indications (PGI) for specific variants, such as "Allgäuer Emmental" (PDO) from Germany or "Emmental de Savoie" (PGI) from France. The protection does not apply to the generic name "Emmental," but only to the full designations.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct the required examinations for cheese according to the Cheese Ordinance. We provide you with fast and reliable results and are happy to advise you on all matters related to product safety. If you have any questions, our customer advisors are at your service.

Source: www.lebensmittelklarheit.de