Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt gains European protection

Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt has joined the ranks of Champagne, Parma Ham and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies by being awarded protected food name status by the European Commission.

From today the Halen Môn, Anglesey Sea Salt names are protected by the European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, which is one of three special European Protected Food Name (PFN) designations.

Under the EU's protected food name scheme certain food and drink products receive Europe-wide legal protection against imitation and misuse. The company is already aware of two incidents in Spain and Italy where an inferior salt was sold under the Halen Môn name, and is determined to stop this happening again.

Alun Davies, minister for natural resources and food, Wales congratulated Halen Môn, and said: "Gaining protected food name status is a fantastic achievement and will provide the worldwide recognition that quality produce such as Halen Môn deserves.

UK Government farming minister, George Eustice agreed: "Legal protection for the unique taste and appearance of Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt will help a small family business expand employee numbers by 25%."

More than 60 British foods have now achieved protected status. West Country Beef and West Country Lamb have also been awarded their Protected Food Name status today.

"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," added Eustice.

"We now want to help many more UK food producers who are thinking about making an application for protected name status to get their quality produce fully recognised."

Peter Baber, chairman of Meat South West, said: "We are delighted to be awarded PGI 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."

For a full list of the UKs Protected Food Names visit www.gov.uk/protected-food-names-guidance-for-producers#products-and-current-applications