Yes, raw milk sales are permitted in Italy under strict EU and national hygiene rules, but only through vending machines or direct farm sales. The 2023 EU Regulation 2017/625 and Italy’s Decreto Legislativo 193/2007 mandate raw milk to be labeled “non pastorizzato” and refrigerated below 4°C, with daily inspections by Aziende Sanitarie Locali (ASL).
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Italy
- Mandatory vending machines or on-farm sales only: Raw milk cannot be sold in supermarkets or via intermediaries (Art. 12, D.Lgs. 193/2007). Machines must display hygiene certificates and origin details.
- Real-time microbial testing: ASL conducts unannounced checks for E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes under EU Regulation 2073/2005. Non-compliant batches trigger immediate recalls.
- Labeling and storage requirements: Containers must state “Raw milk—boil before consumption” in Italian (“Latte crudo—bollire prima del consumo”) and maintain ≤4°C storage. Failure risks fines up to €50,000 (D.Lgs. 158/2012).
Post-2026, Italy will align with the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy, potentially tightening raw milk vending machine quotas by 15% to reduce foodborne illness risks. Producers must pre-register with Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale for traceability.