The Italian Parliament has appealed to Unesco to save the Mediterranean diet by recognising it as part of the world's heritage.

A Bill drawn up by Paolo De Castro, the former agriculture minister, was passed unanimously by the Italian Senate, with Left and Right sinking their differences to defend "part of the Italian way of life". The initiative is also backed by Spain, Greece and Morocco.

All four countries are asking Unesco — the UN's educational and cultural arm — to protect the Mediterranean diet, which they say is threatened by the spread of fast food and convenience foods. "Science has long recognised the unusual health properties of the Mediterranean diet, which is part of the common cultural identity of Mediterranean countries." Mr De Castro said.

The Unesco heritage list is best known for its historic and cultural sites, but has been extended to include "intangible heritage", such as endangered languages or traditions. Once adopted by all four nations, the proposal to include the Mediterranean diet will be handed to Unesco by the end of the summer. It is expected to decide next year whether to accept the idea.

The low-fat, high-fibre Mediterranean diet of pasta, olive oil, tomatoes, fish such as anchovy and tuna, fruit, vegetables and "moderate" amounts of red wine is held by Italian nutritionists to provide the best natural protection against cardiovascular diseases, arthritis and other ailments.

Coldiretti, the Italian farmers union, said: "The Mediterranean diet has been a part of Italy's cultural, historical, social and environmental heritage for centuries and has been closely linked to the lifestyles of the Mediterranean peoples throughout their history." Pasta, fruit, vegetables, olive oil and wine were "emblematic products" of Italy.

However, it said that they were under threat not only from "counterfeit" products falsely claiming to be of Italian origin, but also from pre packaged supermarket foods which many hard-pressed Italian families preferred as prices of fresh fruit and vegetables rose. Italy and Spain have recorded growing obesity both among adults and the young.

In a sign of growing recognition of the value of locally grown food, the Italian founder of the Slow Food Movement, Carlo Petrini, is to be given a job teaching "environmental sociology" at Turin University, La Stampa reported. Mr Petrini founded the movement as a protest against the inroads made by fast food hamburger outlets in Rome, and it has grown into a worldwide phenomenon.

However some academics at the university have objected on the ground that although Mr Petrini deserves praise for his campaign, he is not academically qualified and "knows nothing about sociology".

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