EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.
Defra: Food & Farming Minister Jim Fitzpatrick, hosting a celebration of foods with Protected Food Name statusat Downing Street, urged more producers to stand up for their food and more consumers to support local produce. More UK producers should apply for protected status for the food they produce and join iconic British foods like Stilton cheese, Cornish clotted cream and Arbroath Smokies.
The scheme highlights regional & traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed. Under the system a named food or drink registered at a European level will be given legal protection against imitation throughout the EU.
There are 38 products currently registered in the UK, including Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese and Whitstable Oysters which serve as major tourism draw cards for their home regions. In addition, Defra have submitted 15 applications for protection to the European Commission.
