Newmarket Sausages have become the fiftieth British food product to earn European recognition for their quality, history, and links to the local area.

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The sausage, from Suffolk, will now carry a badge declaring its Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. Newmarket Sausages join other protected foods such as Cornish Pasties, Parma Ham and Champagne, which have all earned the same quality mark.

Food and Farming Minister David Heath commented on Monday (29th October),“Not only are PGIs important for keeping traditional foods and recipes alive, they also make a significant contribution to the local and national economy. The recipe for the Newmarket sausage is unchanged since the days of Queen Victoria and the original recipe has been passed down the generations. This is yet another example of the quality of British foods and we can be justly proud of the position of our produce in the international market.”

The sausages, which were traditionally enjoyed by race-goers at the historic Newmarket course, have been made in the area since the 1880s. Queen Victoria was said to enjoy them and was the first member of the Royal Family to issue the sausages with a warrant, which continues to this day.

As well as a mark of quality, PGI products make a significant contribution to the national, and local, economy. The UK Protected Foods Names Association estimates that recognised products are worth around £1bn.

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