The traditional Maltese mazzit (blood sausage) has been officially recognised by the European Union as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), following the publication of its registration in the Official Journal of the European Union.
A PGI emphasises the relationship between the specific geographic region and the name of the product, where a particular quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. Geographical indications establish intellectual property rights for specific products, whose qualities are specifically linked to the area of production.
This recognition marks an important milestone for Malta’s culinary heritage and is the result of several years of work involving the Public Abattoir, the Food Safety and Security Authority and, before it, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, as well as a number of producers brought together in the Mazzit Stakeholders Group, a statement by the Government read.
Mazzit is a traditional Maltese product combining sweet and savoury flavours. It is made from pig’s blood or the blood of male cattle, together with ingredients such as Maltese white onions, raisins, cocoa or chocolate, and sugar. The European product specification also recognises traditional variations and the expertise associated with its production.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security Anton Refalo said: “This recognition is much more than a simple European quality label. It is an acknowledgement that our agricultural and culinary heritage has a value that deserves to be protected and, more importantly, a future that deserves investment. At the same time, it demonstrates how the Government is working to ensure that local products generate added value for local farmers and livestock breeders.”
The process dates back several years. Work included historical research into the product, the development of its specification, and the documentation of recipes and production traditions, among other things.
“Investment was also made in machinery designed to collect and process blood hygienically, as well as in a specialised production facility, so that individual operators would not each have to make the necessary investment themselves,” the Government said.
