UK bans raw milk cheese imports from France and Italy due to cattle disease

Britain’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has prohibited the import of raw‑milk cheeses from France and Italy after the two countries reported cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle. The ban also covers live cattle imports.

Cheeses made from unpasteurised milk – such as French brie, Roquefort, Vacherin and Italian artisan mozzarella or pecorino – are affected, while pasteurised varieties like Parmesan are exempt. Products produced before 23 May 2025 may continue to be imported if proper paperwork is provided, meaning shortages could develop gradually.

Defra says the disease can survive in raw milk and aims to protect British herds; there is no risk to human health from the cheese. Critics, including cheese retailers, call the measure “costly, illogical and deeply frustrating”. Canada has introduced a similar ban on unpasteurised cheese imports from France, Italy and Switzerland.