No, raw milk sales are prohibited in Portugal under Decree-Law 137/2018, which aligns with EU hygiene regulations. Direct-to-consumer raw milk sales are banned, though herd-share schemes operate in a legal gray area. The Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV) enforces strict penalties for violations, including fines up to €44,891.68.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Portugal
- EU Hygiene Package Compliance: Raw milk sales violate Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, which mandates pasteurization for human consumption.
- DGAV Enforcement: The agency conducts routine inspections of dairy farms and retail outlets, with non-compliant operators facing immediate product seizures.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Portugal’s 2024-2026 National Control Plan tightens raw milk monitoring, requiring mandatory heat-treatment records for all dairy processors.
Indirect access via herd-sharing remains unregulated but is not explicitly legalized. Imported raw milk is subject to the same restrictions. The Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica (ASAE) monitors black-market sales, particularly in rural regions.