Press
A Turkish producer group has submitted an application to the EU Commission to legally protect the name “Kebab”.
Brussels — Germany is known worldwide for its kebabs: like the currywurst, the doner kebab is an integral part of the German fast food landscape. This was also shown by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's trip to Turkey. During an official visit, he brought a huge kebab skewer with him as a sign of their shared connections. But the kebab is not only popular in Germany, but throughout Europe. The court could soon be protected across Europe.
Application to the EU Commission: Doner kebab should be legally protected
Because a group of Turkish producers has… EUCommission submitted an application to have the “Kebab” protected with an EU seal as a “guaranteed traditional specialty”. The application letter states: “'Kebab' has become a cultural symbol of Turkish immigration to Europe, especially to Germany.” The dish was first prepared in 1972 and has now become one of the “most popular ethnic street food dishes in this country ” become.
The European Commission is currently examining the application. After submission, a three-month period has now begun. During this time, stakeholders would have the right to object to the application. If the Commission receives strong objections that are factually and procedurally correct, the application could be rejected. The commission announced this at the request of Picture with.
“Guaranteed traditional specialty”: This is what the seal of quality means
However, if the application were to be approved, it would mean that the ingredients and preparation of the kebab would be stipulated. Sellers would then only be able to sell products under the name “Kebab” if they follow these regulations. The application states, for example: “'Kebab' may not contain any non-animal proteins, starch, starchy substances, no soy and no soy products.”
According to the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food several advantages: It is intended to help sustainably support the production of agricultural products, to ensure the long-term quality of food and to prevent the imitation of product names. It is also intended to protect consumers from being misled. On the website EUR-Lex it states that “thanks to the introduction of this designation, consumers are better informed about the specific characteristics of the products they buy”. Doner would not be the first dish in the EU with this seal. “Pizza napoletana”, Serrano ham and mozzarella are already protected throughout Europe.
Price increase due to new EU seal: Could the kebab soon become expensive?
But as the application is submitted, fears of a price explosion also increase. A few years ago it was not unusual to be able to buy kebab for 3.50 euros. Today the dish costs more than 6 euros almost everywhere. 2022 increased A popular kebab shop in Frankfurt even increased the price of a kebab to 10 euros. And last year even the federal government commented on “doner kebab inflation”. Price increases have been an issue for a long time.
If the Turkish producer group's application is approved, the kebab could possibly become even more expensive in many places. The reason for this is that snack bars would be more limited in their selection of foods. (jus)
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