On 18 March 2026, the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/608 of 11 March 2026 was published in the Official Journal of the European Union, registering the denomination Kräuterhefe / Herbal yeast / Lievito di erbe / Levure d'herbes / Levadura herbaria as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) in the official register of the European Union. This measure, adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council, has direct effects on all producers and marketers of yeasts and fermented products operating in the European market who wish to use this protected denomination.
What does this regulation establish?
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/608 formalises the registration of Herbal Yeast —also known by its denominations in German, English, Italian and French— in the register of traditional specialities guaranteed of the European Union. This means that, from its entry into force on 11 March 2026, the name and traditional production method of this product are officially protected in all EU Member States.
A Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) is a European protection scheme that does not link the product to a specific geographical origin, but instead protects its traditional production method and specific composition. In practice, this means that any EU producer may manufacture and market this product under the protected denomination, provided they strictly comply with the approved product specification accompanying the registration.
Failure to meet the requirements set out in the product specification may result in penalties and the withdrawal of the right to use the protected denomination. For specific details on the consequences of non-compliance, it is recommended to consult the original regulation.
Who is affected and how?
This regulation directly affects all producers and marketers of yeasts and fermented products operating within the territory of the European Union, including those established in Spain. Specifically, the main parties affected are:
- Yeast manufacturers who produce or wish to produce the product under the denomination Herbal Yeast or any of its equivalents in other official EU languages.
- Distribution and marketing companies that include this product in their catalogue and present it to the market under the protected denomination.
- Exporters and importers within the European single market who commercialise this type of yeast under any of the registered denominations.
- Food sector companies that use Herbal Yeast as an ingredient in their preparations and wish to make reference to the TSG denomination in their labelling or commercial communications.
It is important to emphasise that TSG registration does not prevent other producers from manufacturing a similar product, but it does prohibit them from marketing it under the protected denomination if they do not comply with the approved product specification. This has direct implications for the labelling, advertising and commercial presentation of the product.
What should you do to adapt?
If your company produces, distributes or markets yeasts or fermented products in the EU, we recommend following these steps to ensure compliance with the new regulation:
- Review your current labelling: Check whether any of the protected denominations (Kräuterhefe, Herbal yeast, Lievito di erbe, Levure d'herbes or Levadura herbaria) appear on any of your products or commercial materials. If so, you must verify that your production process complies with the TSG product specification.
- Consult the approved product specification: The product specification is the technical document that defines the requirements a product must meet in order to use the protected denomination. Access it through the official source indicated at the end of this article.
- Evaluate your production process: If you wish to market your product under the TSG denomination, ensure that your production method meets the traditional requirements established in the product specification.
- Adapt your commercial communications: Both labelling and advertising and product presentation must be consistent with TSG regulations. Avoid any use of the protected denomination that could mislead consumers if you do not meet the requirements.
- Consult a specialist adviser: Since non-compliance may result in penalties and the loss of the right to use the denomination, it is advisable to seek legal or technical advice specialised in European quality denominations.
- Stay up to date: Regularly consult the Official Journal of the EU and platforms such as CambiosLegales.es to keep abreast of any amendments or regulatory developments related to this TSG.
In case of doubt regarding adaptation deadlines, specific penalties or other specific technical aspects, it is recommended to consult the original regulation for detailed and accurate information.
Official source
View full regulation at official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions regarding your situation, please consult a qualified professional. Original source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202600608
📋 View the full details of this regulation on CambiosLegales