London, Oct 6 - After a 10-year battle, a pork pie from an English market town will take its place alongside champagne and Parma ham as a protected European regional product.
Only traditionally made pies from the environs of Melton Mowbray in central England, using uncured pork encased in pastry, will be allowed to carry the Melton Mowbray label.
No objections to the application were made before a deadline expired on Saturday, clearing the way for European Union legislators to award the pie the kind of protection enjoyed by Europe's most prized delicacies.
"It's guaranteed to go through now," a spokesman for Britain's food ministry told Reuters.