After years of discussions, the traditional Maltese sheep's milk cheeselet (ġbejna) has been officially recognized by the E.U as a D.O.P-status product akin to other traditional European cheeses such as Parmeggiano Reggiano.

The Ministry for Agriculture noted that the European Commission gave the Maltese sheep's milk cheeselet the official recognition of a 'Protected Designation of Origin' (also known as D.O.P) as a result of continuous discussions with the European Commission in the last few years. It said that these discussions led to an agreement that ensures the laws linked to the production and sale of the cheeselets are enforced, in conformity with the expectations of an E.U state.

Last week, European Parliament president Roberta Metsola had already announced the achievement.

In a statement Tuesday, the ministry said that the discussions led to appropriate standards in the quality of the product as well as the safeguarding of European consumers. It continued that in agreement with the European Commission, the government "worked tirelessly" to ensure that the traditions involved with the production of the cheeselets are preserved.

The ministry said that as of today, the public may see sheep's milk cheeselets in shops with labelling denoting its protected status. It continued that this means that the product will have the worthy status recognized by E.U citizens and tourists, apart from being given precedence in the E.U's commerce list of quality products.

On receiving the certificate acknowledging the cheeselet's status by European Commissioner Christophe Hansen in Brussels, Minister for Agriculture Anton Refalo praised the work of Maltese agriculturalists. He added that next in line for this status is the 'mazzit' (Maltese blood sausage).