ANALYSIS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALITY SCHEMES OF FOOD PRODUCTS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Cecilia Pop, Elena Scripnic, D.M. Lăpuşneanu

Abstract
   The work aims to achieve an analysis of the status of implementation of food products quality schemes in the countries of the EU. The information gathered from the "DOOR" database were methodologically analysed, processed, summarized and prioritized in correlation with the European legislation in force. The data entered and processed within this study cover the 1996-2016 period and refer to: the determination of the number of products registered under the PDO, PGI and TSG quality schemes by each EU country; the highlight of the total number of registered products in each class; the highlight of the countries with the most registered products, namely those with the fewest registered products. The results obtained show that the EU countries have recorded a number of 1257 PDO and PGI products; in the TSG scheme 57 products have been registered so far. The first place in the top of the classes of products is held by "Fruits and Vegetables" with 27% of the total, followed by the "Cheeses" class with 18%. Regarding the interest of the EU countries to implement the PDO, PGI and TSG quality schemes, we note that the first place is held by Italy (282 registered products), followed by France (228 products) and Spain (190 products); Romania ranks last (along with Cyprus) with only three entries. In conclusion, the work proposes a set of recommendations (both for entrepreneurs and for institutions and authorities involved in the field) to intensify the implementation of these quality schemes at European level and especially in our country.

Key words: quality schemes, food products, geographical indication, guaranteed traditional specialty