Seals of Quality

The DOP and IGP Labels: Guaranteeing Authenticity and Symbolizing Quality Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) & Protected Geographical Indication (IGP)

Both Speck Alto Adige IGP and Asiago DOP are branded with certifications of European quality representing the authenticity of the products as a result of their unique production zones and their detailed manufacturing procedures. Both the IGP and DOP symbols are designed under European Law to protect regional foods using geographical indicators. The legislation for these seals was formed in 1992 to ensure that only products that originate within the region are allowed to establish themselves as such. These laws protect a wide range of products produced in Europe including authentic Asiago and Speck Alto Adige.

To qualify for a IGP or DOP seal, a product must comply with the European Union's standards in regard to the name and description of the product, the definition of the geographical area, the methods of preparation, factors relating to the geographic environment, the inspection bodies, details of how the product is labeled and any legislative requirements that must be met.

The seal of the DOP branded on each wheel of authentic Asiago cheese represents the Denominazione di origine protetta, or Protected Designation of Origin, that all Asiago cheese is produced within. DOP is the highest form of recognition for agricultural products in the European Union. Adopted by the European Union in the early 1990s, the EU sets the standards upon which the label is based and is responsible for its proper application. Of the range of over 400 cheeses produced within Europe only 30 have been officially recognized with the DOP seal. This ensures quality, consistency, and authenticity in every wheel.

In order to receive a DOP label, a product has to abide by strict regulations regarding the geographical boundaries of its production area, its raw materials and main physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics, and its production method.

DOP products have to be produced, processed and prepared in the specific geographical area after which they are named and they must possess qualities and characteristics essentially or exclusively linked to that area.

The Consorzio Tutela Speck Alto Adige has taken steps to reform its entire quality control system, certifying it according to European Community regulation EN 45011 laid down by the European Union in EC regulation 2081/92. The inspections are performed with a visit to the large producer twice a week and an examination of each individual ham in smaller facilities by four inspectors of the INEQ (Istituto Nord Est Qualita), a specialized, independent body, authorized by the MIPAF (Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry Policies). The inspectors are also responsible for checking the accounts kept by the producer and supervising the production processes used. The quality of Speck Alto Adige IGP is ensured through a series of tapping and smelling procedures in comparison to a statistically true sample, based on an outline of 40 possible defects and a detailed report is written up for each individual inspection.

Each leg of speck receives the IGP logo only after an initial inspection of the producer's premises and a series of contracts and production standards that the producer must comply with, all designed to guarantee quality and consistency. Inspectors visit each Speck Alto Adige IGP producer on an average of twice a week, to ensure that IGP standards remain in effect. A thorough aging process and a certified inspection procedure, created in collaboration with the INEQ (Istituto Nord Est Qualita) have been formed to ensure that every Speck Alto Adige IGP ham maintains authentic taste and quality.