Bakers seek protected food status for Forfar bridie

Two bakers in Angus have launched a bid to secure EU protected food status for the Forfar bridie .

If awarded protected food name (PFN) status, the pastry will be safeguarded against imitation. Several Scottish foods already enjoy the appellation, including Stornoway black pudding, Ayrshire Dunlop cheese and Arbroath smokies.

The Forfar bridie is a D-shaped shortcrust pastry filled with beef and sometimes onion.

The application for PFN was made by the Forfar Bridie Producers Association, which comprises Saddler’s of Forfar and McLaren and Son Bakers.

Richard Lochhead, Food Secretary, said the pastries were a “delicious, traditional savoury Scottish snack”, adding: “We already have other great Scottish foods, such as Stornoway black pudding, Scotch beef and traditional Ayrshire Dunlop, which have European protected status and are free from imitation.

“It guarantees the food’s provenance and supports local producers, like the Forfar Bridie Producers Association.”

Karen Murray, from McLaren and Son, said: “We’ve been making Forfar bridies at McLaren’s the Bakers since 1893, and applying for Protected Food Name status will ensure that we protect the heritage of a real Forfar bridie and that customers can be assured that what they’re eating the real thing.

“Applying for PFN status will also help us raise awareness of the history behind a real Forfar bridie, as well as giving a boost to the town and local food and drink in Angus.”