Stilton PDO Challenge

A cheesemaker, based in the village of Stilton, wants to be able to label its product ‘stilton cheese’.  The Stilton Cheese Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product specification sets out where and how the cheese can be made.  Stilton cheese has had PDO status since 1996, stating the cheese can only be made with  pasteurised milk and must be produced in the Counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.  Stichelton Dairy, located in the village of Stilton in Cambridgeshire, has been making cheese from raw milk using the authentic Stilton method since 2006, but has not been able to call the cheese ‘stilton’.  Stichelton Dairy and the Original Cheese Company have applied to amend the order so that unpasteurised cows’ milk can be used, and the geographical area extended.  Any comments or objections need to be made to DEFRA by 29th May.  More details and how to make representations can be found on the DEFRA website at https://www.gov.uk/protected-food-names-guidance-for-producers