Question 8

Geographical indication is an indication which identifies such goods as agricultural goods, natural goods or manufactured goods as originating, or manufactured in the territory of a country, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of such goods is essentially attributable to its geographical origin and in case where such goods are manufactured goods one of the activities of either the production or of processing or preparation of the goods concerned takes place in such territory, region or locality, as the case may be.

Organic food must meet the criteria defined  in EU legislation which relate to how the food is produced and /or processed including the labelling for the consumer. In organic farming, closed cycles using internal resources and inputs are preferred to open cycles based on external resources. If the latter are used, they should be organic materials from other organic farms, natural substances, materials obtained naturally, or mineral fertilisers with low solubility. Food may be labelled “organic” only if at least 95% of their agricultural ingredients meet the necessary standards. In non-organic food, any ingredients which meet organic standards can be listed as organic.

QUID stands for Quantitative Ingredient Declaration. In certain circumstances it is necessary to state on the label the quantity, in percentage terms, of an ingredient or category of ingredients used in the manufacture or preparation of a foodstuff. The percentage quantity should be in or next to the name of the food or be in the list of ingredients. It applies to all foods, including beverages, with more than one ingredient unless especially exempt. It also applies to those products exempt from ingredients listing.  For these products the ingredient quantity will need to be given close to the name of the product. For example, a packaged food product with the label containing 80% chicken.