Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The United Nations' cultural heritage organization on Wednesday recognized Italian food as an intangible aspect of Italy's heritage, the first national cuisine to be formally protected by the international body.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization website described Italian food as "a communal activity that emphasizes intimacy with food, respect for ingredients and shared moments around the table."
"The practice is rooted in anti-waste recipes and the transmission of flavors, skills and memories across generations. It is a means of connecting with family and the community, whether at home, in schools, or through festivals, ceremonies and social gatherings."
The addition of Italian cuisine to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity came about as a result of a campaign by Italy's far-right prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, The Guardian reported. She called for inclusion, saying Italian food was a nationalistic expression of identity.
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