By Giselda Vagnoni

ROME, Dec 10 (Reuters) – Italians hailed UNESCO’s recognition of their cuisine on Wednesday as a win for cultural diplomacy but critics warned it could backfire by turning popular dishes into bland tourist fare.

A sound and light show at the Colosseum in Rome on Wednesday night ‍will celebrate a successful bid that framed Italian food not just as a set of recipes but as a living heritage rooted in seasonality, community and shared rituals.

“Italian cuisine is our most formidable ambassador,” Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a video message.

The listing could deliver further economic benefits to a country already renowned for its cooking and where the agri-food supply chain accounts for about 15% of the national GDP.

It could also bring some relief to tr

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