UK ban on raw milk cheese imports

The United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has implemented a ban on raw milk cheese imports from France and Italy. The restriction was issued due to food safety concerns following outbreaks of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle, which has been identified in France and confirmed in Sardinia, Italy.

The ban targets various unpasteurized products, including French artisan cheeses such as Roquefort, Vacherin, Mimolette, Tomme, and certain types of Brie. In Italy, the restrictions affect artisan-produced mozzarella and pecorino, though major brands like Parmesan are unaffected as they typically use pasteurized milk.

Cheeses produced before May 23rd are exempt if importers provide necessary documentation. As existing aged stocks are depleted, shortages of these specific products are expected to emerge. While the ban primarily targets commercial imports, it also technically applies to travelers bringing such products into the country. These products remain available for sale within the European Union.