No, raw milk sales are prohibited in Chile under Decree 977/96 (Food Sanitary Regulations), enforced by the Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG) and Ministerio de Salud (MINSAL). The 2023 Ley de Etiquetado de Alimentos further restricts unpasteurized dairy, aligning with WHO guidelines. Violations risk fines up to 1,000 UTM (~$80,000 USD) or criminal liability under Código Sanitario.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Chile
- Decree 977/96 (Art. 134): Explicitly bans raw milk sales for human consumption, permitting only pasteurized or UHT-treated dairy.
- MINSAL Resolution 157/2021: Mandates thermal treatment for all milk marketed as “consumable,” with SAG inspections verifying compliance.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Proposed amendments to Ley de Alimentos aim to criminalize raw milk distribution, citing Salmonella and E. coli risks. Small-scale producers face stricter traceability requirements.
Enforcement prioritizes urban markets (e.g., Santiago’s La Vega Central), where unauthorized vendors risk confiscation. Exemptions apply solely to direct farm-to-consumer sales under SAG-approved protocols, though these remain rare. International travelers may import raw milk only for personal use (<5L), subject to customs declaration.