No criminal charge for Errington Cheese over girl's death

The Dunbartonshire girl, who has not been named, died as a complication of an E.Coli infection in September 2016.

Dunsyre Blue cheese, made by the artisan cheesemaker near Carnwath, was blamed for an E. coli outbreak which saw 17 people admitted to hospital that summer.

Food Standards Scotland tried to stop the sale of all of Errington’s products last year, and after an investigation Health Protection Scotland issued a report stating that the source of the outbreak was the consumption of Dunsyre Blue. The cheese was made from made from unpasteurised cows’ milk.

Lanark Blue, the artisan firm's best known cheese, is back on sale and named second best blue cheese in the country.

Read more at: http://www.carlukegazette.co.uk/news/carnwath-cheese-is-blamed-for-fatal-e-coli-outbreak-1-4413266

The family cheesemaker has always disputed the findings, and has consistently tried to challenge the evidence. A hearing of the evidence is still to take place at Lanark Sheriff Court.

In a statement this week, a Crown Office spokesman said: “After giving the case careful consideration, Crown Counsel have concluded, based on the available evidence, that there will be no criminal proceedings brought as a result of the death.

“Should additional evidence come to light that decision may be reconsidered.”

He said a decision on whether or not to hold a Fatal Accident Inquiry was being considered.

Errington Cheese is best known for its Lanark Blue and only this month was recognised at the Great British Cheese Awards.

Lanark Blue Cheese was a runner-up in the Best Blue Cheese Award and Errington Cheese runner up in the Artisan Producer award.