To protect the original Gouda cheese, the European Union has granted a PGI-recognition to the genuine Dutch Gouda cheese with the term Gouda Holland.PGI stands for ‘Protected Geographical Indication’. Only products that owe their reputation to their geographical origin and are produced there can be considered for such protection. All the naturallyripened Gouda cheeses from DOC have this PGI-recognition. This can be recognized by the special Gouda Holland quality seal.