Yes, raw milk is legal in France, but its sale is tightly controlled under national and EU hygiene laws. Producers must comply with Règlement (CE) n°853/2004 and French Décret n°2007-628, with strict 2026 compliance audits by DGCCRF and ANSES to mitigate Listeria risks.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in France
- Mandatory Heat Treatment Warning: All raw milk products require a visible label stating “Lait cru—à consommer rapidement après achat” (Raw milk—consume promptly after purchase) under Arrêté du 21 décembre 2009.
- Microbiological Limits: ANSES enforces E. coli (≤100 UFC/g) and Listeria monocytogenes (≤10 UFC/g) thresholds, with zero tolerance for pathogens in bulk tank samples.
- Direct Sales Restrictions: Raw milk may only be sold on-farm, via vending machines, or in small retail outlets (<32m²) with DGCCRF pre-approval, barring supermarket distribution.