Europe – The EU has agreed upon a list of 41 foods and drinks that it wants the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to label Products of Designated Origin (PDO), including 12 cheeses.

PDO status would mean that these goods could only be produced in a certain region or in a certain way. For example, Feta cheese, which is included in the list, could only be sold under that name if it was produced by the correct method in Greece.

The new list will be presented to the WTO in the upcoming Doha round of talks, and includes products such as Roquefort cheese, although the UK’s Blue Stilton cheese has been removed from the list.

While this is good news for many European producers, others around the world feel that granting goods PDO status is merely a form of unfair protectionism.

Other cheeses on the list are Asiago, Fontina, Gorgonzola, Manchego, Comte, Grana Padano, Mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano and Reblochon.