Brussels, 12 December 2023
The European Commission has today added “Meso crne slavonske svinje”, a pork product from continental Croatia, to the register of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO). This is a pork product from piglets and fattening pigs from sows and boars of the “Black Slavonian pig” (Fajferica) breed. The meat has a dark colour and is characterised by a high degree of firmness, a large proportion of intramuscular fat and a low water discharge. The higher proportion of fat in the muscles accounts for the softness and succulence of the meat when cooked, which gives it a soft chewing consistency.
The quality and the characteristic of “Meso crne slavonske svinje” are the result of its genetic basis, the free movement and grazing of the Black Slavonic pig on the pastures, the use of specific feed and the longer fattening period due to the lower average daily weight gain.
Pork is traditionally consumed in continental Croatia to mark holidays, religious feasts and family celebrations. The pig also has a symbolic meaning: the locals have taken the pig’s habit of digging its snout into the earth and pushing it forwards as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. For this reason, roast pork is a traditional dish to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one.
This new denomination will be added to the list of 1,680 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