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 from unpasteurised milk that originate in France and Italy. The ban follows confirmed cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle – the first in Sardinia, Italy on 21 June 2025 and the first near Chambéry, France on 29 June 2025 – prompting the UK to revoke Italy’s LSD‑free status and suspend imports of live cattle.

The restriction covers commercial shipments and also applies to travellers bringing cheese back to the UK. Cheeses produced before 23 May 2025 may still be imported if proper documentation is provided; otherwise, supplies of raw‑milk varieties such as artisan brie, roquefort, pecorino and certain mozzarella could become scarce. The ban does not affect cheeses made from pasteurised milk, nor does it impact sales within the EU. Health officials note there is no risk to humans from consuming cheese made from LSD‑affected cattle.

The measure is intended to protect livestock health and prevent further spread of the disease, while consumers in the UK may face reduced availability of traditional French and Italian raw‑milk cheeses.