The quality mark "South Tyrol" is a regional collective trademarkRegional collective trademark, URL visited 17 October 2014. with geographical indication, that stands for a certified quality in special agricultural products. It guarantees the origin from South Tyrol and a higher quality than the standard requires. Independent and certified authorities check the adherence to the quality requirements.http://www.sqk.it/index.php?id=13&L=1 Control organism for all regional products: Consortium quality control South Tyrolhttp://www.csqa.it/ Meat control organism
History In 1976 the trademark "South Tyrol" was introduced and it was the first seal of quality in Europe. At the beginning it was applied to apples and wine but then it has been extended to other products since then. In 2005 the brand "Quality Südtirol" was launched. Products with the quality seal guarantee a certified quality from South Tyrol.History of quality mark
The benefits The mark of quality serves the consumer as a sign. All the products with the South Tyrol quality seal guarantee: South Tyrolean origin Traditional production methods Quality beyond that required by the legal standard Compliance with strict quality requirements Periodical quality-control checks by certified, independent authorities
Legal framework The seal of quality meets the strict requirements of EU law and was approved by the European Commission in 2005. It's ruled by the provincial law Nr. 12/2005.http://www.provincia.bz.it/marchioombrello/download/LG_2005_12_it.pdf Legge provinciale 22 dicembre 2005, n. 12 The bearer and owner of the mark of quality is the Autonomous Province of Bolzano.
Controls The seal "Quality Südtirol" may be used to label only specific agricultural products and food which are compliant with the rules and the strict quality criteria established in the specifications. Producers receive regular visits from independent inspectors, who control the adherence to the specifications and respect of the rules.http://www.southtyroleanqualityfood.com/en/quality-seal/controls.html About Controls
Groups of products
Nowadays 16 products, or better, product groups are allowed to use the South Tyrolean mark of quality:http://www.southtyroleanqualityfood.com/en/products.html All South Tyrolean quality products Apple juice Apple strudel Beef Beer Berries Bread Cherries Dried fruit Dumplings Eggs Grappa Herbs Honey Jam Milk Vegetables
External links South Tyrolean Quality Food
References