UK bans raw‑milk cheese imports from France and Italy due to Lumpy Skin Disease

The United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has prohibited the import of all cheeses made with unpasteurised milk from France and Italy. The ban was triggered by the detection of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle – the first case in Sardinia, Italy on 21 June 2025 and a subsequent case near Chambéry, France on 29 June 2025 – prompting the UK to revoke the LSD‑free status of both countries.

The restriction covers commercial shipments and personal imports, with cheeses produced before 23 May exempted if the importer can provide the required documentation. Affected varieties include well‑known French cheeses such as Brie, Roquefort and Vacherin, as well as Italian artisan mozzarella and pecorino. The ban also extends to live cattle imports. Authorities stress that there is no risk to humans from consuming the cheese, but shortages of iconic raw‑milk cheeses are expected in the UK market, while the products remain available throughout the EU.