UK bans raw‑milk cheese imports from France and Italy over cattle disease

The United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has prohibited the import of cheeses made with unpasteurised milk from France and Italy. The measure is intended to prevent the spread of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a contagious cattle illness first detected in Sardinia on 21 June 2025 and near Chambéry, France, on 29 June 2025. The ban also applies to live cattle imports, as the virus can survive in raw milk and cheese, although it poses no risk to human health.

Cheeses produced before 23 May may continue to be imported if proper paperwork is provided, meaning shortages will develop gradually. Most Italian cheeses such as Parmesan, mozzarella and Gorgonzola, which are typically pasteurised, are expected to be unaffected. French cheeses including brie, roquefort and vacherin are more likely to be impacted. The decision has drawn criticism from UK cheese merchants, who describe it as “costly, illogical and deeply frustrating.” Canada has introduced a similar ban on unpasteurised cheeses from France, Italy and Switzerland.