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Grimsby Smoked Fish nets EU seal of approval

News release

Ref: 266/09
Date: 17 November 2009

Traditional Grimsby Smoked Fish is the latest UK product to be recognised under the EU Regionally Protected Food Names scheme for its quality and regional identity. 

The product was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status because the way the cod and haddock is specially prepared is traditional to the Grimsby area.

The award means that 39 UK products now enjoy protection under the EU Protected Food Name (PFN) scheme. 

Under this scheme food names are legally protected on the basis of their link to a specific geographical area or because they are made to a traditional recipe.

Food Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said:

“We’ve been waiting patiently for Grimsby Smoked Fish to be recognised as a quality, protected product.  It reinforces Grimsby’s long established ties with the fishing industry and is further proof that quality British regional food is gaining the wider recognition it deserves.

“Ultimately, we should be alongside France and Italy who between them boast more than 300 protected foods – our food is just as good, if not better than any other European country. We want to see the UK’s regional foods on the world map where they ought to be.”

The application has been a long time in the pipeline but this successful outcome is the result of the close co-operation between Defra officials and members of the producer group.

Celebrating the good news, Richard Enderby from the Grimsby Smoked Fish Producers Association said:

 “We are delighted at the registration of Grimsby Smoked Fish as a PGI. This  status will not only help the traditional fish smokers operating in the port but will also boost the fish processing industry of Grimsby as a whole.  

“It is testament to the fact that despite turbulent times throughout its long history, Grimsby remains a premier fish processing centre which has maintained the knowledge and skills that traditional fish smoking embodies.”

 

Notes to editors

  1. Further details about Grimsby Smoked Fish can be found at Defra's protected food names web pages.
  2. Defra work closely with ADAS, (the delivery body responsible for dealing with the administration of the scheme) and a wide range of other organisation to raise awareness of the Protected Food Name (PFN) scheme and encourage more applications.
  3. The EU Protected Food Name scheme came into force in 1993.  It provides for a system for the protection of food names on a geographical or traditional recipe basis. The scheme highlights regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed.  Under this system a named food or drink registered at a European level will be given legal protection against imitation throughout the EU.
  4. Further information about the EU scheme, together with application forms and guidance notes can be obtained from ADAS on 020 7238 6678, or irene.bocchetta@adas.co.uk. 
  5. Details of the scheme, including a full list of UK (and other Member States’) products covered can be found on the EU website: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/.
  6. 39 British products now enjoy protection under the scheme including Arbroath Smokies, Cornish Clotted Cream, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Welsh Lamb.  There are almost 40 other applications currently in the pipeline to protect various British products.

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Page published: 17 November 2009