TSG stands for “Traditional Speciality Guaranteed” and provides watercress with legal protection.
The application process started in 2002 with the aim of retaining and protecting the traditional growing practice of watercress; and to ensure all the years of development of growing techniques were retained for the future.
The watercress specification was published by DEFRA in 2021. Since then any watercress sold in Great Britain must be grown in accordance with the specification and growers are legally required to be audited to show they are compliant. Packaging containing watercress must display the TSG logo.
The audit process is relatively simple and looks at compliance with the specification, and whether you are a very small or a large business, it’s adapted accordingly. The 3 primary principles are
Water Quality
Using Nasturtium officinale seed
Grown in continuously flowing water
The ‘TSG’ logo must be used on packaging
If you are a grower, you can seek advice from the NFU Watercress Association as we have many members who would happily provide support for the process.
If you require auditing, please contact your local Trading Standards Office or alternatively, contact Tim Evans at Dorset Council Trading Standards tradingstandards@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Photo: Tim Evans, Senior Trading Standards Officer, Dorset Council (Left) & Tom Amery TWC (Right)
Watercress must be grown in accordance with the Watercress Industry Guide to Good Hygiene Practice