The European Commission has moved to protect Melton Mowbray Pork Pies from being copied by manufacturers based outside their traditional home region in the English East Midlands.


Under a new geographical indication protection, Brussels has ordered that pork products marketed as Melton Mowbray Pork Pies must have a “bow walled pastry case… golden brown in colour with a rich texture”.


The Commission also ruled that the pies must have a grey uncured pork filling that is “moist and particulate” and made up of 30% meat minimum; with the filling and the pastry wall separated by jelly layer.


The pork pies also have to be made in or around the town of Melton Mowbray, in parts of Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.