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Grimsby smoked fish nets EU seal of approval

Food Minister Jim Fitzpatrick today helped celebrate Grimsby Smoked Fish becoming the 39th UK food product to be given protected status for its quality and regional identity.

Meeting at the Humber Seafood Institute in Grimsby with producers of Traditional Grimsby Smoked Fish and the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber, Mr Fitzpatrick said:

“We’ve been waiting patiently for Grimsby Smoked Fish to be recognised as a quality, protected product.  It reinforces Grimsby’s long established ties with the fishing industry and is further proof that quality British regional food is gaining the wider recognition it deserves.”

Grimsby Smoked Fish traces its tradition back to the late 19th century and is awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status through the EU Regionally Protected Food Names scheme for the way cod and haddock is specially prepared to the Grimsby area.  The fish joins other well know protected foods such as Arbroath Smokies, Cornish Clotted Cream, and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies.

Celebrating the good news, Richard Enderby from the Grimsby Smoked Fish Producers Association said:

“We are delighted at the registration of Grimsby Smoked Fish as a PGI.  This status will not only help the traditional fish smokers operating in the port but will also boost the fish processing industry as a whole.

“It is a testament to the fact that despite turbulent times throughout its long history, Grimsby remains a premier fish processing centre which has maintained the knowledge and skills that traditional fish smoking embodies.”

Jim Fitzpatrick added that the Government wants to see more UK food products protected:

“Ultimately, we should be alongside France and Italy who between them boast more than 300 protected foods – our food is just as good, if not better than any other European country.  We want to see the UK’s regional foods on the world map where they ought to be.”

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Page published: 17 November 2009