Rome (CNN) — It’s time to uncork the prosecco and maybe order a plate of tagliatelle al ragù for the table. Italy has a very tasty reason to celebrate: Its national cuisine has become the first entire gastronomic style to be recognized by UNESCO, the UN’s cultural body — a status that should help protect it from imitators.

The decision to designate Italian food as an intangible cultural heritage was confirmed on Wednesday by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ahead of an announcement expected from UNESCO.

“We are the first in the world to receive this recognition, which honors who we are and our identity,” she said in a statement. “Because for us Italians, cuisine is not just food or a collection of recipes. It is much more: It is culture, tradition, work, and wealth.”

The status

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