By Sarantis Michalopoulos | Euractiv Est. 2min 13-11-2017 (updated: 23-01-2020 ) The product name “Greek yoghurt” is not protected by a geographical indication. [melissa b./Flickr] Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Languages: Français | ΕλληνικάPrint Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram The denomination “Greek yogurt” cannot be used for yogurts produced outside Greece, a European Commission spokesperson told EURACTIV.com amid mounting tensions between Athens and Prague on the issue. “The Commission is in contact with the Czech authorities on this matter and expressed its position in a detailed opinion that was transmitted to the Czech authorities,” the EU official said. Greek Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Evangelos Apostolou sent a letter to the EU’s agriculture and food safety Commissioners, Phil Hogan and Vytenis Andriukaitis, expressing his disagreement with a 2015 Czech Republic’s draft decree laying down requirements for milk and dairy products, ice creams and edible fats and oils to the Commission [See background]. For Athens, both the name “Greek” yogurt and “Greek-style” yogurt is contrary to the EU Regulation on the provision of food information to consumers, which says consumers should not be misled. Commission warns Prague about ‘Greek-style' yoghurt use The use of “Greek yoghurt” labeling in a Czech Republic draft bill has angered the Syriza-led Greek government – which has urged the Commission to intervene. EURACTIV has learnt that the EU executive is currently examining two letters on the actions of the Czech authorities on this issue received by the Greek government and the Federation of Greek Dairy Industries and reflecting on the follow-up actions on this matter. The product name “Greek yogurt” is not protected by a geographical indication. But a Commission source said in July that it was a fundamental requirement of the Union rules on food information that “food labelling must not mislead consumers as to the characteristics of the food including its identity and origin”, the spokesperson said. Speaking at the EU agriculture ministers’ council last week, Apostolou stressed that high-quality food was a priority for European consumers, regardless of the country or region they live. He referred to the dual quality food discussion in Europe, claiming that there may be issues of indirect consumer misleading or unfair business practices, but no security or misleading labeling issues have been identified for these products, he explained. Tomáš Zdechovský: The EU begins in the stomach of a Czech citizen The Czechs do not know anything about the EU’s global strategies or the interconnection of energy networks. But they know very well that they can buy cheaper and better food in Germany, says MEP Tomáš Zdechovský (EPP). Read more with Euractiv Commission puts EU fishermen in catch-22 situationThe European Commission has proposed new fishing quotas for 2018 but new rules create a paradox whereby fishermen won't actually be able to cast off and go out to sea.Background Commission tells Czechs Greek yoghurt is 'Greek' The use of the term “Greek yoghurt” for products produced outside Greece deceives consumers and creates unfair competition, the European Commission said, ending a spat between Athens and Prague.