No, raw cow’s milk intended for direct human consumption is prohibited in Ireland under the European Union (Food Hygiene) Regulations 2020, enforced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). Retail sales of raw drinking milk are banned, though unprocessed milk may be sold for on-farm consumption or further processing under strict conditions. The 2026 EU Farm-to-Fork Strategy may intensify scrutiny on raw milk distribution, aligning with heightened food safety protocols.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Ireland
- Retail Ban: The S.I. No. 432/2016 transposes EU Regulation 853/2004, explicitly prohibiting the sale of raw milk as a beverage. Only pasteurized milk may be commercially distributed.
- On-Farm Exemptions: Raw milk may be sold directly to consumers at the production site under DAFM-approved hygiene protocols, with mandatory labeling warnings about unpasteurized risks.
- Processing Standards: Any raw milk used for dairy products (e.g., cheese) must comply with Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004, requiring routine microbiological testing and traceability systems. Non-compliance risks prosecution under the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) enforcement framework.