Iberian pork and its derivatives are products of great prestige, but their quality and authenticity must be backed by official certifications. These certifications not only guarantee the origin and production conditions, but also provide transparency to the consumer, avoiding fraud and ensuring that each piece meets the established standards.
Why is certification important?
The market for Iberian products has grown exponentially, both nationally and internationally. However, this growth has brought with it attempts at imitation and confusion in labelling. Certification is essential to differentiate authentic products from those that do not meet quality and traceability requirements.
Thanks to the certification seals, consumers can easily identify the origin, feed and type of rearing of the Iberian pig, guaranteeing that the product purchased corresponds to the expected quality.
Certification seals and what they guarantee
To ensure the authenticity of the products, there are different types of certifications and seals that indicate the quality and characteristics of the Iberian pig.
- Labelling with coloured seals: This is the official system regulated by the Ibérico Quality Standard (RD 4/2014). It identifies the type of feed and racial purity of the pig:
- Black seal: 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham. Top quality, from purebred Iberian pigs fed exclusively on acorns and natural pasture in the dehesa.
- Red seal: Acorn-fed Iberian ham. It comes from pigs of at least 50 % Iberian breed, reared in the wild and fed on acorns.
- Green seal: Iberian cebo de campo ham. The pigs are reared in the wild and fed on natural feed and pasture, but not exclusively on acorns.
- White seal: Iberian cebo ham. It comes from Iberian pigs fed only with feed and reared on farms.
- Protected Designations of Origin (PDO): These certifications guarantee the geographical origin of the product and its traditional production method. In Spain there are four recognised PDOs for Iberian pork:
- PDO Huelva Ham (Jabugo)
- DOP Los Pedroches
- DOP Dehesa de Extremadura
- DOP Guijuelo
- Traceability labels: These allow the product to be traced from birth to marketing, ensuring compliance with health and quality standards.
How does certification help the consumer?
Clear and verified certifications are key for consumers to make informed decisions when buying Iberian products. Knowing what each seal and stamp means avoids confusion and guarantees that the product purchased corresponds to its price and quality.
In addition, the seals certify compliance with strict regulations that ensure animal welfare, sustainability in the rearing of Iberian pigs and the authenticity of the production processes.
Conclusion
Certifications are the best guarantee of quality for Iberian products. Thanks to colour seals, Designations of Origin and traceability systems, consumers can be confident that they are buying an authentic product of proven quality. Knowing about these seals not only helps to make a better choice, but also contributes to the preservation of the tradition and excellence of the Iberian pig.
