[REVISION HISTORY]
UK raw‑milk cheese import ban
Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.
What changed
2026-07-29 15:02 UTC → 2026-08-07 10:16 UTC ·
added
removed
In late July 2026 the United Kingdom’s UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) announced a ban on all imports of cheeses made from unpasteurised milk originating in France and Italy. The restriction measure was triggered by the detection of Lumpy Skin Disease in cattle – the first Italian case confirmed in Sardinia on 21 June 2025 and the first French case near Chambéry on 29 June 2025 – leading the UK to withdraw the LSD‑free status of both countries. The ban also applies countries and to extend the restriction to live cattle imports. Cheeses produced before 23 May may still be imported if the importer provides the required documentation, meaning that but shortages of iconic raw‑milk varieties such as Brie, Roquefort, mozzarella and pecorino are expected to emerge as existing stock is depleted. runs out. Defra stressed that stresses there is no risk to human health from consuming the affected cheeses, and noted notes that the products affected cheeses remain available within the EU market. A follow‑up notice on 28 July reiterated the same measures ban, and highlighted that shortages could develop gradually as aged cheese stocks run out, while confirming on 7 August Defra added that the ban covers both commercial shipments restriction also aims to prevent further spread of the disease, which is transmitted by flies and personal imports. mosquitoes. Vaccination programmes are now underway in the affected French and Italian regions.
Versions
- 2026-08-07 10:16 UTC UK raw‑milk cheese import ban
- 2026-07-29 15:02 UTC UK raw‑milk cheese import ban
Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.