Loved the world over for its pizzas and pasta, Italian cuisine has been given world heritage status by the UN's cultural agency.

After a panel vote in New Delhi on Wednesday, UNESCO recognised Italy's national cuisine as an "intangible cultural heritage", and added the rituals surrounding it to its list of the world's traditional practices and expressions.

It is Italy's 21st entry on UNESCO's intangible list, joining Neapolitan pizza-making, Sicilian puppet theatre and Cremona's violin craftsmanship.

In its submission for recognition of its cuisine, Italy emphasised the "sustainability and biocultural diversity" of its food.

Image: Campaigners noted how Italy's cuisine valued seasonality and fresh produce. File pic: AP

Campaigners noted how Italy's simple cuisine valued seasonal

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