No, raw milk sales are prohibited in Romania under national food safety laws, with strict enforcement by the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA). The 2023 amendments to Law 150/2017 align with EU hygiene regulations, banning direct-to-consumer raw milk sales except through licensed processing plants. Non-compliance risks fines up to €50,000 and criminal liability under the Food Safety Act.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Romania
- Mandatory heat treatment: All raw milk must undergo pasteurization or sterilization before sale (Law 150/2017, Art. 12). Unprocessed milk may only be sold on-farm for direct consumption by the producer’s household.
- ANSVSA oversight: Licensed dairy processors require HACCP certification and regular inspections. Small-scale producers must register with local veterinary offices under Regulation (EC) 853/2004.
- Labeling prohibitions: Products labeled “raw milk” are illegal unless explicitly permitted for artisanal cheese (e.g., brânză de burduf), which requires additional maturation and testing under Order 102/2021.
The 2026 EU Farm-to-Fork Strategy pressures Romania to tighten raw milk controls further, with ANSVSA piloting blockchain traceability for dairy chains. Cross-border sales of raw milk remain banned under EU Regulation 853/2004, enforced at Romanian customs checkpoints.