Protection of the ‘Queso Manchego’ designation of origin in the EU-Mexico free trade agreement

11.1.2018

Question for written answer P-000158-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto (S&D)

In Mexico, a cheese is sold which is fraudulently called ‘manchego’. The cheese is not produced in La Mancha, nor does it meet the requirements laid down for the ‘Queso Manchego’ designation of origin, the production of which supports more than 750 farmers and 60 dairies in Castilla-La Mancha.

In the EU-Mexico free trade agreement, currently being negotiated, the marketing of any cheese not produced exclusively in La Mancha under the name ‘Queso Manchego’ must be banned.

Will the Commission ensure that no cheese is sold as ‘manchego’ in Mexico other than the cheese produced under the designation of origin in Spain, thereby putting a stop to that unfair competition, which unarguably constitutes a violation of consumers’ rights?