Brussels, 25 July 2023
The Commission approved the addition of ‘Българско кисело мляко / Bulgarsko kiselo mlуako’ – as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from Bulgaria.
‘Българско кисело мляко / Bulgarsko kiselo mlyako’ is a soured milk product made from raw milk obtained from sheep, cows, buffalos, goats or a mixture thereof produced in Bulgaria, and a symbiotic starter from the bacteria Lactobacillicus delbrueckii ssp.bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus not subjected to genetic modification. It is characterised by a specific fresh, lactic acid flavour and aroma, which is due to 34 types of aromatic substances (acetaldehyde, acetone, ethanol, diacetyl, acetoin, etc.) resulting from the fermentation of the milk by the combined action of the two bacteria.
They transform lactose into lactic acid and small amounts of acetaldehyde and diacetyl, which are among the main flavour and aromatic components of the product. Scientists believe that the flavour and aroma are due to the formation of volatile and non-volatile acids and carbonyl compounds during fermentation. The harmonious combination of these substances gives the product its typical flavour and aroma.
This new denomination will be added to the list of 1,641 agricultural products already protected. The list of all protected geographical indications can be found in the eAmbrosia database. More information is available online at Quality Schemes and on our GIView portal.
Source – EU Commission