UK bans raw milk cheese imports from France and Italy

The United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has banned imports of raw milk cheeses from France and Italy. The decision was made on safety grounds following outbreaks of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a cattle disease spread by flies and mosquitoes. Italy has confirmed a case in Sardinia, and the disease is also present in France.

The ban affects various unpasteurized products, including French varieties such as Roquefort, Vacherin, Mimolette, Tomme, and certain artisan Bries. In Italy, the restriction impacts artisan-produced mozzarella and pecorino, though major brands like Parmesan remain unaffected as they are typically made with pasteurized milk.

Cheeses produced before May 23rd are exempt provided importers can present the necessary documentation. Consequently, shortages of these specific products are expected to appear gradually as existing aged stocks are depleted.