The cheese raises passions but also reactions against it by the most sensitive palates -or noses-, especially if it is fragrant and intense varieties, such as blue ones. The discomfort generated seems that it can reach such a point that the authorities have to intervene, as has happened in the town of Yering (Victoria, Australia), where a cheese factory has received a fine for odors that their facilities emit.
According to the newspaper Guardianthe Yarra Valley Dairy has received a A$9,000 fine (about 5,969 euros to change) due to the unpleasant smell that is dispersed around it when the wind blows against it. According to those responsible for the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), it is a bad smell similar to that of sour milk with “earthy characteristics”.
The cheese factory had already been previously notified of this problem in 2021, indicating to the owners the need to undertake the necessary improvements for the treatment of your wastewater and other measures to isolate their facilities and comply with regulations. Despite the works carried out and having fulfilled some requirements, a new inspection confirmed that the main problem, the strong smell, was still there.
In the words of Jeremy Settle, regional director of the EPA, the odor was “unacceptable”, so unpleasant and intense that it could cause a great unrest in the community of surrounding neighbors. After contesting the original notice and issuing a new amended one last October, once again another visit by the competent officials encountered that bad smell that intensified when the wind blew.
As a consequence, the Yarra Valley artisan cheese factory will have to face the fine and take the unpleasant odor problem that gives off the production of its cheeses, among which the soft matured ones with moldy rind, Camembert type, stand out.
Jocca – Set Cheese Board and Knives | Wooden Cheese Board + Cheese Knives | 20cm
Pictures | Yarra Valley Dairy
In DAP | How to improve a cheese board following the advice of Clara Díez, from the Formaje cheese factory In DAP | This wine is dedicated to the convicts who founded Australia (and you’ll meet them through augmented reality)