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

The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has prohibited all imports of unpasteurised cheese from France and Italy, citing the spread of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle. The ban follows the first confirmed LSD cases in Sardinia (Italy) on 21 June 2025 and near Chambéry (France) on 29 June 2025. Defra says the virus can survive in raw milk and raw‑milk cheese, and the restrictions also cover live cattle imports.

Cheeses produced before 23 May can still be imported if exporters provide the required paperwork, meaning shortages may develop gradually. The government stresses there is no risk of human infection from consuming the cheese. Critics, including UK cheese merchants, describe the measure as “costly, illogical and deeply frustrating,” arguing the disease does not affect cheese safety.

Canada has introduced a similar ban on unpasteurised cheese from France, Italy and Switzerland, aligning with the UK’s precautionary stance.