The Food Standards Agency has confirmed its intention to prosecute Selfridges Retail Limited and the farmer who supplied the company with raw cow milk for sale, Stephen Hook, for breaches of food hygiene regulations.The decision follows a detailed investigation, after vending machines dispensing raw cow milk were installed at Selfridges, in 2011. The FSA will consider taking action where it has evidence that regulations have been breached.
Selfridges has been charged as 'a person other than the occupier of a production holding or distributor' under Regulation 32 and Schedule 6 Paragraph (2) (1). Mr Hook has been charged, separately, as 'an occupier of a production holding', under Regulation 32 and Schedule 6(2) (2) of the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations.
Summons have been served to both parties and a hearing date has been set for 6 February at Westminster Magistrates Court.
This case is not linked to the current review of rules governing the sale and marketing of unpasteurised, or raw, drinking milk and cream in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The sale of raw drinking milk and cream is not permitted in Scotland.
