Limburgse vlaai Protected Status Affirmed Despite Legal Challenge
The recognition of the pastry “Limburgse vlaai” as a regional product has been upheld. A Dutch industrial baker’s objection regarding the stringent quality requirements for the recognized vlaai has been dismissed by Dutch minister Femke Wiersma, reports 24brussels.
Last year, the Limburgse vlaai, typically filled with fruit or rice pudding, received protected geographical indication status from the European Commission. This designation restricts the use of the name to vlaaien made exclusively in Belgian or Dutch Limburg that adhere to specific quality standards. However, a miscalculation in the Belgian Limburg product dossier necessitated amendments, allowing Goedhart, the Dutch industrial bakery, to challenge the ruling.
“If Dutch industrial bakers want to sell six-day-old vlaai, they should certainly do so, but not under the label ‘Limburgse vlaai’”
The central issue for the Dutch bakery revolved around the definition of “daily fresh,” which implies a product must be no older than 48 hours. Goedhart argued that this requirement was impractical for large-scale operations supplying supermarkets and would favor smaller bakeries. They proposed extending the “daily fresh” standard to a maximum shelf life of six days. However, Minister Wiersma deemed this request unfounded.
Flemish minister Jo Brouns expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “There are now no more obstacles to recognition.” He reiterated that while Dutch industrial bakers could market six-day-old vlaai, it could not be marketed as Limburgse vlaai. Goedhart retains the option to appeal the decision until September 19.
