January 15, 2014

By gaining protected EU status, West Country beef and lamb has joined the ranks of Cornish pasties and Stilton cheese.

The European Commission has awarded animals born and reared in six counties in the south west Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.

The food joins more than 60 UK foods already EU protected, including Cornish clotted cream and Melton Mowbray pies.

Like a trademark, the Protected Food Name (PFN) scheme gives products protection from unauthorised imitation and helps consumers know they are buying the "genuine article".

In order to qualify for West Country branding, beef or lamb will have to come from stock born, raised and slaughtered in Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset or Gloucestershire. Livestock will also have to be fed on a 70% grass and forage-based diet.