The authorities have closed down Errington Cheese in Lanarkshire, the small, highly respected family-run company that pioneered raw milk cheesemaking in Scotland.
It makes Lanark & Dunsyre Blue, Corra Linn, and other cheeses.
Food Standards Scotland alleged that some batches of Errington cheese were implicated in food poisoning outbreaks yet it has not produced any evidence to support this charge.
The agency also continues to reiterate its belief that raw (unpasteurised) milk cheese is more dangerous than pasteurised. The most recent robust scientific study clearly shows that this is not the case.
Help with legal fees
The Errington family is fighting this injustice in court. Legal costs are high and presently being borne by them. But since they have been stopped from selling their cheese, their resources to fight this crucial test case are limited.
Can you make a donation towards the Erringtons’ legal costs and help us ensure a future for all our raw cheesemakers?
The food journalist Joanna Blythman has started a JustGiving page to help fund the Erringtons’ legal fees. You can donate here.
There is a lot more background information in this Scotsman article.
The latest news from the Erringtons is here.