Turkey has officially applied for döner kebab to be recognized with protected status within the European Union, a label akin to those granted to Parma ham and halloumi cheese.
This designation would stipulate that the dish adheres to specific ingredient requirements and preparation methods.
According to the Swedish news channel TV4 Nyheterna, over 3,500 food items have already received a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication within the EU.
These include delicacies such as Greek feta; the festive fruitcake, Dresdner Christstollen; the orange-shaded roe of Kalix Löjrom; comté; Prosciutto di Parma; and a glass of Irish whiskey.
Protected status serves multiple purposes, explains Ylva Nilsson, an EU journalist.
"It's partly for consumer protection, ensuring that people aren't misled into paying for inauthentic products. It's also a boon for manufacturers, particularly small-scale producers who specialize in these traditional foods," Nilsson states.
Debate Ahead of EU Elections
The move to secure protected status for döner kebab has ignited debate ahead of the upcoming EU elections.
Despite the controversy, Nilsson argues that this should not deter people from enjoying their local variations of kebab.
The European Commission is currently accepting objections to this application until July 24, after which a decision will be made regarding the future status of döner kebab in the EU.
