melton mowbray pork pies are made with a specific "hand-raising" process and recipe. on 4 april 2008 the european union awarded the melton mowbray pork pie protected geographical indication status, following a long-standing application made by the melton mowbray pork pie association. as a result, pies made only within a designated zone around melton, and using uncured pork, are allowed to carry the melton mowbray name on their packaging.