The Cornish pasty has been handed Protected Geographical Indication status following a battle lasting almost a decade.

Local pasty makers, represented by the Cornish Pasty Association, applied for the accreditation in 2002.

Companies based outside the region can continue to make pasties but will no longer be able to call them ‘Cornish pasties’. Genuine Cornish pasties must also be crimped on one side, rather than on top.

“By protecting our regional food heritage, we are protecting local jobs,” said David Rodda of the Cornwall Development Co.

“Thousands of people in Cornwall are involved in the pasty industry, from farmers to producers, and it’s important the product’s quality is protected for future generations.”   

CPA chairman Alan Adler added: “By guaranteeing the quality of the Cornish pasty, we are helping to protect our British food legacy.

“We lag far behind other European countries like France and Italy, that have hundreds of food products protected, and it’s important that we value our foods just as much.”

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