The near-century-old Australian-made Coon cheese will be renamed after the brand's owners acknowledged the racial overtones of the label. Indigenous activist Stephen Hagan wrote to Coon's Canadian-based owners Saputo in June about the name, highlighting the word was an offensive term that demeaned people of colour. Mr Saputo said the company would consider recognising American Edward William Coon, the man credited with inventing a ripening process used to make the cheese in the early 20th century. Dr Hagan questioned the authenticity of claims the Australian cheese was named after Mr Coon. The word coon first emerged as a racial slur in America in the 18th century.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 24, 2020 06:56 UTC