The National Food Strategy seeks to reduce salt intake by a quarter across our country. This has led to concerns that Stilton could be forced to change its recipe.
Stilton requires a certain salt content to produce the distinctive veins – and there were concerns that Stilton could be subject to new, higher taxes to comply with the Government’s desire to reduce salt intake by a quarter.
Stilton is made according to a centuries-old process and has Protected Designation of Origin status under the UK’s new Geographical Indication scheme – meaning it has to be made in villages around Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton, has raised the issue in Parliament, on the floor of the Chamber, and in a private meeting with Victoria Prentis MP, Minister of State at DEFRA – and is confident that an exemption will be made for Melton Mowbray’s iconic cheese.
Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton said:
I don’t support the Nanny State at the best of times – but to threaten Stilton’s recipe is something no-one who loves Melton could countenance.
Stilton is a protected food – and if the recipe or the location were to change, it simply wouldn’t be Stilton any more. Production of one of Britain’s favourite cheeses matters to our identity in Melton Mowbray, and provides important employment in our rural area.
I’ve made my feelings clear to the DEFRA Minister. This tax isn’t about Stilton – it’s about supermarket ready meals and the like. I’m confident that common sense will prevail, and that Stilton will remain the Queen of British cheeses.
