DGCCRF reports 71 fraud cases involving misuse of French AOP and IGP labels

The French Directorate‑General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) published a 2023 report showing 71 criminal complaints for the illegal use of protected designation of origin (AOP) and protected geographical indication (IGP) labels. The inspection of around 1,800 establishments resulted in 197 compliance orders, affecting roughly 11 % of those checked.

Violations were found at every level of the agri‑food chain, from producers to retailers. Examples include a supermarket that falsely cited the IGP “Veau du Limousin,” a market vendor selling counterfeit Pruneaux d’Agen AOP, and a bakery claiming Charentes‑Poitou AOP butter without meeting the criteria. DGCCRF warned that such systematic fraud distorts competition, undermines the credibility of French quality marks, and harms legitimate producers. The agency said it will continue rigorous monitoring of AOP and IGP label compliance.