Further delay on Melton Mowbray pork pie judgement

A HIGH Court judge has reserved his decision in a legal battle over whether Melton Mowbray pork pies should be made only in Leicestershire.

The case centres on the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs’ decision to back the Melton Pork Pie Association’s bid to win geographical protection from the European Commission. This has been challenged by Northern Foods of Hull, which says the pies have been made outside the county for over 100 years and exclusivity would restrict consumer choice.

After two days of legal argument Mr Justice Crane said he would deliver his judgement at a later date. This will hold up the European Commission’s deliberations on the matter.