The Dundee cake could soon be granted European protection after an application was lodged by the Scottish government.
Richard Lochhead, Rural Affairs Secretary, pledged his support during a visit to the city’s flower and food festival at Camperdown Park.
The Scottish government and Scotland’s Rural College have been working with the University of Abertay on the application for EU protection for the Dundee cake.
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status ensures that the fruit cake, recognised for its traditional blanched whole almonds, is mixed, baked and decorated in the Dundee area.
In 1993 EU legislation came into force, which provides for a system for the protection of food names on a geographical or traditional recipe basis.
According to the government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) website, “The EU Protected Food Name 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.”
A group of Dundee bakers will consult on an agreed set recipe for the cake, traditionally made with currants, sultanas and almonds, covered with a glaze.
The finalised application will be forwarded to Defra following a national consultation.
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