The humble Cornish Pasty is celebrating today after winning its long fight to be granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.
The decision from the European Commission means that from now only Cornish Pasties made in Cornwall and following the traditional recipe can be called ‘Cornish Pasties’.
The Cornish Pasty Association (CPA) first submitted its application for PGI status in 2002 to protect the quality and reputation of the Cornish Pasty.
David Rodda from the Cornwall Development Company and spokesperson for the CPA, said: “Receiving protected status for the Cornish Pasty is good news for consumers but also for the rural economy. By protecting our regional food heritage, we are protecting local jobs.
“Thousands of people in Cornwall are involved in the pasty industry, from farmers to producers, and it’s important that the product’s quality is protected for future generations.”
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. Today’s announcement does not stop other producers from making other type of pasties but they won’t be able to sell them as ‘Cornish’.”
Congratulations to the CPA for obtaining a ruling covering the use of the term “Cornish Pasty” throughout Europe.
However now we have to tackle the USA. I have just found a news story reporting that a restaurant called Jimmy C’s in Fort Collins Colorado is offering Cornish Pasties. Start writing those letters to President Obama !!
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