No, raw cow’s milk sales are banned for human consumption in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 and equivalent devolved legislation. Scotland enforces the same prohibition via the Food Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Only pasteurised milk may be sold for direct consumption, though raw milk may be sold for animal consumption under strict licensing. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) actively monitor compliance, with recent 2026 guidance tightening enforcement on unlicensed raw milk distribution.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in United Kingdom
- Sale Prohibition: Direct sale of raw cow’s milk for human consumption is illegal in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; Scotland enforces identical restrictions. Licensed raw milk producers may sell only to registered farms or via direct-to-consumer routes under derogation.
- Labelling Mandates: Any raw milk sold for animal feed must carry explicit warnings: “Not for human consumption” and “May contain harmful bacteria.” The FSA’s 2024 guidance requires bold, uppercase text on labels.
- Hygiene Standards: Producers must adhere to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, ensuring raw milk originates from herds tested for bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis. Unannounced inspections by Local Authority Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) are standard.