Cornish sardines have become the 40th UK food to be granted protected food name status by the EC.

The sardines, better known as pilchards, were awarded PGI status because of the way they are caught and their historic links with Cornwall.

The news has been welcomed by Cornish fishermen and processors, who have spent 10 years re-building the fishery. "We can now focus on promoting the sustainability and quality of our brand," said Nick Howell, chairman of the Cornish Sardine Management Association.

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