Following some press coverage over the past few days, the Cornish Pasty Association can confirm that the European Commission (EC) does not dictate ingredients or names of ingredients for products seeking EU protected status.
Products from the UK looking to get protected status prepare their applications stipulating the criteria, description and recipe of their food products. The EC will evaluate the applications once they are revised by Defra. The EC will provide the final approval on any particular product.
The Cornish Pasty Association has applied for Protected Geographical Indication to request that only Cornish pasties made in Cornwall and to the traditional recipe and manner are called Cornish pasties.
Larry File, Chairman of the Cornish Pasty Association, commented: “We have been working to get protected status for the Cornish pasties for eight years now. The members of the Association share an enormous baking experience, which was used when we put the PGI application together. It is important that British people and food producers understand the importance of protecting our food products from inferior imitations. It is in our best interest, for our food heritage and local economies, to safeguard our quality produce. We should encourage more producers to protect their foods and the EC plays an important role in giving the final seal of approval.”
ENDS
Issue date: 23rd August 2010
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