Falmouth firm gets Fal oysters EU name protection

Fal oysters join Cornish sardines, clotted cream and pasties in having EU protection

Oysters caught in a river in Cornwall have won European Union protection for the name Fal oysters.

Falmouth-based Fal Oysters Ltd had to prove it uses traditional fishing methods in the River Fal.

The protected designation of origin (PDO) status gives the oysters the same name protection as Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies.

The oysters join other EU-protected Cornish foods such as pasties and clotted cream.

Oysters must be collected using traditional methods to qualify for the protected status

Cornish crab could be next to get EU protection

"Being awarded PDO status is a massive achievement," said the firm's Chris Ranger.

"Seafood is the number one food item associated with Cornwall these days.

"This is, therefore, a really important time to make sure the heritage and quality of some of our stand-out seafood specialities is recognised too."

Cornwall Food and Drink is also trying to get the name Cornish crab protected.