The European Commission is to unveil geographical indication protection for popular Netherlands cheeses, Gouda and Edam, although the rule gives flexibility for non-Dutch cheese makers. 

The regulation will protect the names ‘Gouda Holland’ and ‘Edam Holland’ meaning EU manufacturers cannot market cheeses with these terms if made outside their traditional home region and without prescribed standard processing. 

However, this rule will not apply to cheeses simply called ‘Gouda’ and ‘Edam’, allowing non-Dutch manufacturers to continue marketing waxed cheeses with these names.