Today the South West has seen a culinary victory for the Cornish Pasty. Finally, a pasty made outside of Cornwall cannot be called Cornish. The renowned pasty has been awarded ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ (PGI). The decision from the European Commission now means that only Cornish Pasties made in Cornwall, and following the traditional recipe, can be called 'Cornish Pasties'.

Commenting on the news South West MEP Julie Girling said; “It is really great news  to hear that the Cornish Pasty has received the PGI status, as it not only helps to ensure products from our region get the recognition they deserve, but that the local Cornish Pasty industry can continue  to thrive. This will impact on the product and on the local economy – excellent news all round.

Although this is a success for Cornwall, we really need to encourage the protection of other great UK food brands. At present there are only 42 British protected products, such as Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Cornish Clotted Cream, by comparison to our European neighbours who have many more of their products recognised. I will work with MEP colleagues to ensure that British products are appreciated and valued.”

A genuine Cornish pasty has a distinctive 'D' shape and is crimped on one side, never on top. The texture of the filling is chunky, made up of uncooked minced or roughly cut chunks of beef (not less than 12.5%), swede, potato and onion with a light seasoning. The pastry casing is golden in colour, savoury, glazed with milk or egg and robust enough to retain its shape throughout the cooking and cooling process without splitting or cracking.

The pasty is slow-baked and no artificial flavourings or additives must be used. The Cornish Pasty Association submitted the application for PGI in 2002 to protect the quality and reputation of the Cornish Pasty and to ensure that only Cornish bakers, who make genuine Cornish pasties, use this denomination when selling and marketing their produce. Authentic Cornish pasties can still be baked elsewhere in the country but they will need to be prepared in Cornwall.