Sofia, February 3 (BTA) - Bulgaria has filed applications with
the European Commission (EC) to register Bulgarian yoghurt and
Bulgarian white brine Cheese in the EU protected designation of
origin and protected geographical indication schemes, the
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry reported here on
Wednesday.

The applications were submitted by the Bulgarian Traditional
Dairy Products association. A commission from the Ministry has
reviewed the applications and all attached documents.

The European Commission will start a procedure for reviewing the
 documentation, which should not exceed six months. In the event
 it does, the Commission has to give the reasons for the delay
in writing. Third countries and EU Member States express
objections under the procedure, and if no such objections are
raised, the names will be included in the European register.

This procedure offers better income opportunities to producers
based on the qualities of their products. The food products'
names will be protected as intellectual property in the EU and
from unauthorized use or imitation.

Products with protected geographical indication can be included
in agreements between the EU and third countries for mutual
recognition, cooperation and protection of the geographic
designation area. This improves the Bulgarian products
'competitiveness and access to new markets.

The registration of Bulgarian yoghurt and Bulgarian white brine
cheese will lead to protection and affirmation of the good
reputation and high quality of these traditional Bulgarian dairy
 products, the Ministry explained.

The Bulgarian products currently included in the European
protected geographical indication register are Gornooryahovski
flat sausage (sudzhuk) and Bulgarian rose oil, as well as five
foods of specific traditional nature. Fifty-four Bulgarian wines
 are registered with the EU - 52 as protected designation of
origin and two as protected geographical indication. RY/MY