Oldways Brings Back Cheese of Choice Coalition In Support of Artisan, Raw-milk and Traditional Cheese Production

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BOSTON, October 2014 – To protect centuries-old traditions of cheese and cheesemaking, the Boston-based non-profit Oldways is reactivating its Cheese of Choice Coalition (CCC).  The program, supporting the production of artisan, raw-milk, and traditional cheeses, is being renewed after more than a decade, at a time when age-old cheesemaking techniques are being questioned.

Originally founded in 2000, the CCC was assembled to preserve the rights of individuals to buy unpasteurized (raw milk) cheeses. Recently, this and other issues related to traditional cheeses such as the safety of aging cheese on wood, an age-old practice that allows the cheese to breathe and improve its flavor profile, have surfaced. CCC’s mission is to ensure that the public and policy makers are armed with accurate, science-based information to ensure these cheeses are enjoyed long into the future.

“Artisan, raw-milk, and traditional cheeses offer delicious tastes for consumers at home and in restaurants and provide a livelihood for passionate and dedicated cheese producers, distributors, importers and retailers worldwide,” said Sara Baer-Sinnott, president, Oldways. “To make sure that these cheeses continue to play such an important role, the Cheese of Choice Coalition will focus on protecting them from regulatory challenges and actively educate consumers and restaurateurs about their unique tastes and histories.”

The CCC invites producers, distributors, importers and retailers to join and have a unified voice in protecting their livelihood.  There are also opportunities for cheese lovers everywhere – whether consumers or restaurateurs – to support traditional cheese by joining the CCC while enjoying a host of membership benefits.

As a leading authority on cheese, CCC offers important information on practical issues related to advocacy, regulations, production, scientific studies and safety as well as nutrition and culinary interests. The CCC website will be the definitive resource for all things cheese featuring:

  • An extensive database of information on cheeses from around the world
  • Access to timely scientific and regulatory information
  • Regular updates on Hot Topics affecting artisan, raw-milk and traditional cheese and cheesemakers
  • Tempting recipes by famous chefs and authors
  • A cheese board building platform for restaurants and consumers
  • Pairing suggestions for appreciating cheese to its fullest
  • Calendar of upcoming cheese-focused education courses and events
  • Updates on CCC advocacy efforts

“Artisan cheesemakers are unequivocally committed to the safety of the products they produce,” said Catherine Donnelly, PhD, Professor, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Vermont. “Research from our laboratory has engaged the artisan cheesemaking community in mitigating risks posed by bacterial pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes. Regulatory attempts to ban the use of raw milk in cheese making and the use of wooden shelves in cheese aging are not supported by the large body of science surrounding these issues. We will work with the CCC to assure that unbiased scientific information is the basis for all regulatory decisions involving artisan, raw milk and traditional cheeses.”

Artisan, raw-milk and traditional cheeses are part of the celebrated heritage in a variety of cultures and fits with Oldways focus on traditional diets.  As with all Oldways programs, Cheese of Choice brings a science-based approach to promoting real cheese as a nutritious food that is part of a healthy diet.

For more information or to join the Cheese of Choice Coalition, please contact Carlos Yescas, CCC program manager, Oldways, at carlos@oldwayspt.org, 617-896-4822.

About Oldways and the Cheese of Choice Coalition

Oldways is a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, with a mission to guide people to good health through heritage, using practical and positive programs grounded in science and tradition.  The Oldways Cheese of Choice Coalition supports the production of Artisan, Raw-milk and Traditional Cheeses, focusing on education, advocacy, alliance, community outreach, and community engagement.  You can learn more at http://www.oldwayspt.org and http://www.cheeseofchoice.org/.