Those behind a campaign for Dundee cake to become a geographically protected product will soon find out whether they have been successful. 

The application is in the final stages of review at the European Commission and a spokeswoman from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that a decision was expected soon.

The PGI scheme was introduced in 1994 to protect food names on the basis of geographical or traditional recipes.

The application for protected status was brought by the Baker Trade of Dundee and is supported by the Scottish Government, which said PGI status guaranteed the food’s provenance and supported local producers.

If achieved, PGI status would mean that only cakes baked in the area using the correct recipe and decorated with whole almonds could be officially branded as Dundee cake.

The application for Dundee cake PGI status outlines the exact recipe, including ingredients and ratios, and specifies that the cake must be mixed, baked and decorated with almonds in the Dundee area.

Dundee cake was first developed in the 1800s in Keiller’s bakery shop in Dundee. The original recipe contains sultanas, Amontillado sherry, candied orange peel, dried vine fruits and a pattern of whole, blanched almonds on top.

Products such as Melton Mowbray pork pies have already been granted protected status under the scheme.

British Baker is awaiting comment from Dundee Council.