The Newmarket Sausage has become the 50th UK food to gain protected EU status, putting it on a par with Champagne and Parma Ham.
The awarding of PGI status means that only members of the Newmarket Sausage Association - which comprises Newmarket butchers Musk’s, Powters and Tennants - can produce a banger labelled Newmarket Sausage.
Gaining PGI status would put the Newmarket Sausage on a par with other protected UK foods such as Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, the Traditional Cumberland Sausage and the Cornish Pasty, said NSA chairman and Musk’s MD, Chris Sheen. “It will help protect the reputation of regional foods and promote rural and agricultural activity within the Newmarket area and recognises the status and longevity of the product within the area.”
PGIs were not only important for keeping foods and recipes alive but they also made a significant contribution to the local and national economy, said food and farming minister, David Heath. “This is yet another example of the quality of British foods and we can be justly proud of the position of our produce in the international market.”
Traditionally, Newmarket Sausages were enjoyed by race-goers at Newmarket horse races. Queen Victoria, who is believed to have been a fan, issued them with their first royal warrant.
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