Butcher is hoping Cork spiced beef will be granted EU seal of approval

One of Cork’s best-known food products could soon be ranked alongside champagne and Parma ham as moves are under way to seek special EU legal protection for it.

Tom Durcan — a butcher based in the English Market who sold nine tonnes of his famous spiced beef over Christmas — confirmed he has had talks with officials from the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia about securing European Protected Geographical Indication for the delicacy which is produced using a secret family recipe.

Mr Durcan said: “We have had discussions about it and we are investigating it further.