Scots launch haggis protection initiative

- Published: 29 January, 2008

An all-party group of Scottish MEPs has launched a bid to secure European Union (EU) geographical indication protection for haggis.

They want it placed on the list of EU food products that must be made in their home region and in a prescribed way. The MEPs are Conservatives Struan Stevenson and John Purvis; the SNP's Ian Hudghton and Alyn Smith; Liberal Democrat Elspeth Attwooll; and Labour's Catherine Stihler.

"Confirming Scotch or Scottish Haggis as a traditional speciality would ensure that the product is made in Scotland and broadly conforms to the normal specificatio of sheep's pluck (heart/liver/lungs), onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt, mixed with stock," said Attwooll.