Three new British foods gain EU protected status

Anglesey Sea Salt, West Country Beef and West Country Lamb have achieved their Protected Food Name (PFN) status confirmed by the European Union (EU).

The new products join the UK’s existing popular foods already EU protected, including Welsh Lamb, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Stilton cheese.

More than 60 British foods have now gained the EU protected status, which aims to help safeguard iconic products and deliver a boost to the economy.

All these food items are estimated to help contribute over £900m to the European economy.

Farming Minister George Eustice said: "Exceeding the 60th registration is an achievement to be proud of.

"Legal protection of the quality, provenance and reputation of British food will help small businesses make a valuable economic contribution both locally and nationally."

Anglesey Sea Salt is harvested in North Wales by the Halen Mon family business.

Halen Mon source Alison Lea-Wilson said: "Consumers can now be 100% sure that when they buy Halen Mon Anglesey Sea Salt they are getting a product which has been harvested and packed in Anglesey."

Meat South West chairman Peter Baber said: "We are delighted to be awarded PGI (protected geographical indication) status for West Country beef and lamb.

"We look forward to working with farmers and processors in the south west region to market top quality beef and lamb under the West Country PGI banner."

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is working with the food industry to encourage further applications for PFN status.

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Image: West Country Beef. Photo: courtesy of GOV.UK.