Contrary to news reports in the national press, the European Commission does
not dictate ingredients or names of ingredients for products seeking EU quality
recognition.
Products from the UK looking to get protected status prepare their
applications stipulating the criteria, description and recipe of their food
products. The EC evaluates the applications once they are revised by Defra. The
EC provides the final approval on any particular product.
In the case of Cornish pasties, it was The Cornish Pasty Association who
dictated the recipe and ingredients for the genuine Cornish Pasty. The
Association has applied for Protected Geographical Indication to request that
only Cornish pasties made in Cornwall and to the traditional recipe,
ingredients 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.
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