A.O.P. (European Protected Designation of Origin) is the European equivalent of the French A.O.C. (Designation for controlled French Origin).

In 1935 the Institut National des Appellations d'Origine (INAO) was created, as well as the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC).

The request for registration of an A.O.P. is considered at national level and then submitted to the European Commission. Acceptation results in a Community registration in the 15 Member States.

or , this is the identifying mark with respect to the rind of the cheese, its label or its packing. The different types of cheese (and 2 types of butter and 1 type of cream for France) are subjected to a very strict set of conditions.

In order to be granted the right to carry this quality label, the product must comply with strictly defined conditions with respect to :
- A geographically defined area of production;
- Conditions of manufacture and maturing;
Official, rigorous and regular checks, performed to verify compliance with the standards and quality requirements regarding these products that serve as ambassadors of gastronomy and guardians of the European culture and history.