What is Appellation of Controlled Origin?
An appellation of controlled origin is a label which indicates that an agricultural product is from a specific region. Typically, food must also be produced in a certain way to qualify for an appellation of controlled origin, and national inspectors ensure that food producers comply. Qualifying for an appellation of controlled origin indicates that a food is an important part of a nation’s culinary and historical heritage, and foods so marked usually fetch a high price at market. The term originates in France. In French, the equivalent term is appelation d’origine controlee, as of the 1930s. The idea of offering appellations of controlled origins to specific foods dates back centuries, however. In the 16th century, legislation in France dictated which cheeses could legally be labeled “Roquefort,” so that consumers could be assured that they were purchasing true Roquefort, rather than counterfeit or knockoff versions. The label is not, however, a mark of quality. It simply means that th
