16/02/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 16 February, the European Commission announced that it has approved the inclusion of ‘Dalmatinska panceta’ and ‘Dalmatinska pečenica’ from Croatia in the register of Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs). ‘Dalmatinska panceta’ is a rectangular shaped product made of pork belly meat which is salt-cured and has a long shelf life. ‘Dalmatinska pečenica’ is a boneless, dried meat product made from the pig’s long back muscle and which also has a long shelf life. Produced in Dalmatia, these PGIs have specific organoleptic characteristics, including a slightly salty flavour, tenderness, fondant and a discreet smoky taste. The art of preserving meat by salting and drying spread throughout Dalmatia and dates back to when this region was under Roman rule. These new designations will join 1,512 food products already protected in the European Union. (LC)