A Food Standards Agency prosecution over the sale of raw milk is due to be heard in court later this month.

The FSA alleges Selfridges broke strict hygiene regulations by allowing Sussex farmer Stephen Hook to sell raw milk in its food hall in December 2011.  After an earlier adjournment, the case has now been listed for 28th March.

Selfridges, which is frequented by chefs and celebrities, allowed raw milk fans to fill up their own bottles from a vending machine in the store for £3.50 per litre.

It is legal for smallholders and farmers to sell raw milk direct to the consumer, for example from the farmgate or at farmers' markets, but not for retailers to sell the product.

However, Selfridges believes it has done nothing wrong because the milk was being sold directly to the customer by a farmer, and was clearly labelled with appropriate health and safety warnings.
Raw milk can contain dangerous bacteria such as salmonella.  However it is widely available on the Continent, where customers are allowed to fill their own bottles in shops.   Supporters of raw milk believe it should be more widely available, with consumers encouraged to make their own decisions about whether or not to buy it.

If Selfridges win the case, it may encourage other stores to allow raw milk to be sold "direct".