Organic, DOP, IGP, TSG: what do these acronyms really mean?

Organic, DOP, IGP, TSG: what do these acronyms really mean?
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In the world of food, amid increasingly crowded shelves and increasingly informed consumers, certain acronyms often stand out, promising quality, authenticity, and respect for the environment. Organic , DOP , IGP , and TSG are among the best-known, but what do they really mean? What is their true value, and how do they protect products and consumers? In this article, we attempt to clarify, analyzing each acronym, its meaning, differences, and their cultural and economic importance.
What is a food quality label?
The acronyms DOP, IGP, and TSG are part of the European Unions so-called quality schemes , official recognition systems that protect agri-food products with particular characteristics. These labels were created to promote local excellence, combat counterfeiting, and protect the work of producers committed to respecting traditions and rigorous specifications.
The organic label , on the other hand, is not part of the DOP/IGP/TSG regimes, but represents a parallel system, always recognized at European level, which certifies the production method, rather than the origin or tradition.
Organic: more natural, more sustainable
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Definition
An organic product is obtained according to a production system that respects the environment, biodiversity and animal welfare , minimising the use of synthetic chemicals (such as pesticides and fertilizers) and prohibiting GMOs.
Recognizability
The logo is easily recognizable: a stylized leaf on a green background , with the stars of the European Union. Only certified products can display this logo, after thorough checks carried out by third-party bodies.
What does it guarantee?
1. Limited use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
2. GMO ban
3. Crop rotation and sustainable agricultural techniques
4. Animal welfare in livestock production
5. Traceability and strict controls along the entire supply chain
Please note: organic does not automatically mean local or artisanal . An organic orange juice may come from Brazil, meet all the organic criteria, but not be tied to any European tradition.
DOP – Protected Designation of Origin
Definition
The PDO guarantees that all stages of production, processing and preparation take place in a specific geographical area, and that the characteristics of the product are inextricably linked to the territory .
Famous examples
1. Parmigiano Reggiano DOP
2. Parma Ham DOP
3. Tuscan DOP Oil
4. Buffalo Mozzarella from Campania DOP
What does it guarantee?
1. Certified geographical origin
2. Traditional production method
3. Qualities and characteristics due to the geographical environment (climate, soil, local knowledge)
The PDO specification is extremely strict and often defines not only the origin, but also the animal breeds, maturation times, tools and processing methods.
PGI – Protected Geographical Indication
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Definition
The PGI ensures that at least one stage of production (production, transformation or preparation) takes place in a specific geographical area, and that the reputation of the product is linked to the territory .
Famous examples
1. Bresaola della Valtellina PGI
2. Castelluccio di Norcia PGI Lentils
3. Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI
4. Altamura PGI Bread
What does it guarantee?
1. Connection between the product and the territory (even if only reputational)
2. Checks on one or more production phases
3. Less rigid regulations than the DOP, but still very precise
In short: DOP is 100% territory , IGP is “at least partly” territory , but always with certified quality.
STG – Traditional Speciality Guaranteed
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Definition
The STG certifies the composition or the traditional production method , but is not tied to a specific territory .
It is designed to protect traditional recipes, even if produced in places other than their place of origin.
Famous examples
1. Neapolitan Pizza STG
2. TSG Mozzarella
3. Traditional Amatriciana STG
What does it guarantee ?
1. Production method or codified historical recipe
2. Recognition of the cultural identity of the dish or product
3. Production possible throughout the European Union, provided the criteria are met
The STG protects tradition, not place .
Comparing DOP, IGP, TSG, and Organic: the differences explained in simple terms
Each quality mark has a specific purpose and is based on different criteria. Heres a summary of what sets them apart:
1. The PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) label has the strongest connection to the territory : all stages of production must take place in a specific geographical area, and the products characteristics depend precisely on that location, the climate, the soil, and the local techniques. Furthermore, it requires compliance with a codified traditional method and guarantees 100% certified provenance , with extremely strict controls . Its primary objective is to protect a products authentic origin .
2. The PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), on the other hand, has a more flexible territorial connection : only one stage of production—such as processing or manufacturing—needs to take place in the designated place. Here too, theres a reference to tradition , but it can be less restrictive. Controls are still rigorous, and the goal is to protect the reputation tied to a specific area , even if the product may have been grown or raised elsewhere.
3. The STG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) designation stands out because it isnt tied to a specific territory , but protects the traditional recipe or method . This means that a STG product can be made anywhere, as long as the traditional techniques and ingredients described in the specifications are faithfully adhered to. Controls are in place, but less stringent than for the PDO. The goal is therefore to promote gastronomic tradition , regardless of production location.
4. Organic , finally, has no direct connection to the territory or culinary tradition , but concerns the production method . It is oriented towards sustainability: it prohibits the use of GMOs, limits pesticides and chemical fertilizers, promotes animal welfare and respect for the environment. Controls are very thorough, but focus on agricultural practices rather than the origin or history of the product. Its aim is to protect the environment, consumer health, and ecological balance .
Beware of false labels
Many products present themselves as typical, traditional, artisanal, or natural, but without any official recognition . Only certified products can display the DOP, IGP, TSG, or organic seal. Beware of imitations and always read labels carefully for informed consumption.
Conclusion
The acronyms Organic, DOP, IGP, and STG arent just labels, but powerful tools for promotion, protection, and transparency . Behind each of them are stories, people, regions, and practices that convey a vision of food thats not just good, but also fair.
Knowing how to recognize and understand them is the first step toward a more conscious, sustainable, and traditionally respectful diet. And in a world where industry often seeks to standardize tastes and choices, defending dietary diversity becomes a cultural and political act .