Regulatory
Council

It is the body that promotes and protects the quality and guarantees the origin of mussels cultivated, processed, and produced in Galicia.

The Galicia Mussel Regulatory Council began its activities in 1994, after several years of preparatory work starting in 1989. Its goal was to boost the quality of Galician mussels and provide the highest guarantees to consumers.

One of its first achievements was earning the distinction of “Galician Quality Product,” becoming the first seafood product to obtain such recognition.

With the implementation of the European Union’s regulations on Designations of Origin, Galicia Mussel was once again a pioneer. It became the first seafood product in Europe to receive the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in 2007—a recognition that continues to make it unique in Spain.

Galicia Mussel was the first seafood product to receive PDO status

Since then, the Regulatory Council has refined its control systems, and the brand has gained prestige among consumers, distributors, and producers.

Functions of the
Regulatory Council

  • The primary objective of the Galicia Mussel Regulatory Council is to ensure the quality of the mussel throughout its journey—from sea to consumer. This includes cultivation, processing, production, and distribution, guaranteeing that the final product meets consumer expectations.

  • To achieve this, we conduct audits on the rafts and supervise all landings at ports. Additionally, we audit the custody chain in processing companies and perform market inspections.

    When quality control results are satisfactory, the mussel is certified under the requirements of ISO-17065.

    We also promote the unique qualities of Galicia Mussel—its flavor, aroma, nutritional value—all stemming from natural raft cultivation, a traditional method perfectly adapted to Galicia’s estuaries. These waters provide an inexhaustible source of nutrients for our mussels.

  • Galicia Mussel Regulatory Council
  • In the field of R&D, we collaborate with prestigious national and international entities on projects aimed at expanding our knowledge base on the environment, cultivation, and processes. This supports our members and improves our systems to guarantee consumer satisfaction.

    Additionally, we promote socio-economic initiatives that benefit families, businesses, and workers in the sector. We conduct studies and collaborate with public administrations to defend consumer rights and protect the PDO Galicia Mussel.

Organization
Chart

The highest governing body of the Galicia Mussel Regulatory Council is the Plenary Assembly, which includes representatives from producers, purification/dispatch centers, and mussel processing centers, as well as officials from the regional government.

Control activities for the Protected Designation of Origin are managed through an independent structure led by a Certification Committee.

Organization chart of the Galicia Mussel Regulatory Council

Legislation

European Legislation

Galician Legislation

PDO Galicia Mussel Legislation