THE DEPARTMENT OF Agriculture, Food and the Marine has launched a national consultation on an application for Sneem Black Pudding to receive protected status.

The department has received an application for the product to get Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status under the European Union’s PDO/PGI (protected geographical indication) quality regime.

The programme recognises and protects foods with a unique link to a distinct geographical area, which benefits the local economy and food tourism.

If received, the protection means that another producer can’t market their product using the same name unless they produce it in the area you have agreed with the EU, and with the same methods.

As the name suggests, the pudding in question is produced in Sneem, Co Kerry.

The application states that the two “approved and licensed production facilities” where the pudding is made are located in Sneem.

“All meat-based products are from livestock which are sourced from within a 50km radius of the production facilities. Other ingredients (oatmeal, onions, seasonings) are of necessity sourced from outside the immediate area, with all raw materials sourced in the wider Munster province of Ireland.”

Tradition

In terms of the link the product has with the area, the document states:

The tradition of home-based black pudding production in the area dates back to well into the early 1800s. Each country household traditionally kept at least one or two pigs for their own purposes and the main joints such as the legs and the loins would be dry salt-cured.

“The blood was harvested fresh and the women would traditionally make the puddings and this would also be shared among friends and neighbours. At a commercial level, Sneem Black Pudding has been produced by the two traditional butcher shops in Sneem since approximately 1960.”

Interested parties have until Wednesday, 15 June to submit feedback or objections about the application.

Irish products that have PDO or PGI status include Imokilly Regato (cheese made in Cork), Clare Island Salmon, Connemara Hill Lamb (Uain Sléibhe Chonamara), Timoleague Brown Pudding and Waterford Blaa. The process, from application to receiving status, can take up to four years.

Read: Irish whiskey will always have to be made in Ireland