Overview
- The European Commission confirmed the application was withdrawn on 23 September 2025, closing the procedure and allowing current variants to keep the name Döner.
- Udofed’s proposed spec tightly limited meats and preparation, including beef from at least 16‑month‑old cattle or specified cuts of sheep, strict marinade rules, and defined slice thickness.
- German authorities and industry groups, including DEHOGA, ATDID, and VDD, lodged objections, and producers and politicians voiced relief after the reversal.
- Sector estimates cited roughly 400 tonnes of Döner produced daily in Europe and about €3.5 billion in annual revenue, with €2.4–2.5 billion in Germany, and projected that 80–90% of German shops would have been affected.
- Udofed gave no clear reason for the move, while EU sources reported it likely withdrew to avoid an official rejection with virtually no chance of success.