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 originating in France and Italy. The ban was triggered by the detection of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle – the first case in Italy was confirmed in Sardinia on 21 June 2025 and the first French case near Chambéry on 29 June 2025. The restriction also applies to live cattle imports.

Cheeses affected include French varieties such as Vacherin, Roquefort, Mimolette and Tomme, as well as Italian artisan mozzarella and pecorino. Products produced before 23 May may continue to be imported if proper paperwork is provided, so shortages are expected to develop gradually. The cheeses remain available throughout the EU, and health officials state there is no risk to humans from consuming the cheese.