SEA MINERAL SALTS from County Louth have been given protected status from the European Commission.
Two products, Oriel Sea Salt and Oriel Sea Minerals, both from the bay of Port Oriel in County Louth, join the list of Irish products that have Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status under the European Union’s quality regime.
Others include, Imokilly Regato (cheese made in Cork), Clare Island Salmon, Connemara Hill Lamb (Uain Sléibhe Chonamara), Timoleague Brown Pudding and Waterford Blaa.
Oriel Sea Salt, which can be used in cooking, is almost powder-like to the touch and is naturally crystal white.
Oriel Sea Minerals which are concentrated sea mineral salts in liquid form were also given protected status this week.
The non-oxidised salt has received positive reviews from some of Ireland’s well-known companies and restaurants such as O’Donnells Crisps, Chapter One restaurant and Fallon & Byrne bakery.
The Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said the it was “great news” for Irish produce.
This GI (Geographical Indication) system provides brand protection for producers of traditional local foods and taps into strong consumer interest in local provenance, tradition and quality.
It’s not just Irish sea salts that could be getting recognition this year.
Minister Creed said that following national consultation, two further applications had been submitted to the European Commission this year – for Sneem Black Pudding and Wexford blackcurrants.
Acknowledging that the application process to get such a status is quite rigorous, Creed said that his department was actively engaging with a number of producers with a view to progressing other applications to national consultation stage.
The process, from application to receiving status, can take up to four years.
“I think that there is real prospect that this engagement could result in Ireland doubling its PDO products.”
He said quality recognition is entirely consistent with Ireland’s national policy for the development of the food sector and builds on Ireland’s already strong international reputation as a producer of world-class food.
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