Brussels - Italy confirmed its position as Europe's most gourmet nation on Tuesday as two more Italian products were awarded a place on the European Union's list of protected delicacies.

Radishes from the north-eastern town of Verona and saffron from the island of Sardinia became the latest additions to the register of almost 800 eponymous goodies which can only be named after a specific place if they were actually made there, after the European Commission approved their applications.

Olive oil from the central Spanish region of La Alcarria and oysters from the French island of Oleron also made it onto the list.

The decision brings to 176 the number of Italian product names protected by EU law, stretching the country's lead over gourmet rivals France (161 listings) and Spain (121 listings).

And it puts Veronese radishes and Sardinian saffron in the company of illustrious names such as Chianti Classico olive oil and Gorgonzola cheese, as well as less obvious brands such as Bra cheese and the Latina kiwi fruit.

The decision is unlikely to cause too much grieving in Paris and Madrid, where a total of 115 further products have already applied for EU recognition.

It is more likely to cause comment in EU newcomers such as the Baltic states and Malta, who have not yet managed to register any products at all. (dpa)