The majority of the milk we drink in the UK is heat-treated to kill off harmful bacteria. Raw milk isn’t – it goes straight from the cow to the bottle.
Raw drinking milkmay come from:
- cows
- sheep
- goats
- buffaloes
- horses
Our advice on raw drinking milk and cream
We advise that raw or unpasteurised milk and cream may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. People with a weaker immune system are particularly vulnerable to food poisoning and should not consume it.
These include:
- people aged 65 or over
- people who are pregnant
- infants and small children
- people with compromised immune system such as cancer patients
Raw drinking milk and the law
The sale of raw drinking milkis legal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It can only be sold directly to the consumer by:
- registered milk production farms at the farm gate or farmhouse catering operation
- farmers at registered farmers’ markets
- distributors using a vehicle as a shop such as a milk round
- direct online sales
- vending machines at the farm
It’s illegal to sell raw milkin any other setting.
Sales of raw milk and cream are completely banned in Scotland.
How we’re protecting people who choose to drink raw milk
Hygiene regulations are in place to protect consumers. Raw drinking milk offered for sale must be:
- from animals that are healthy and free from brucellosis and tuberculosis
- from a farm that complies with hygiene rules and is routinely inspected twice a year
- labelled with the appropriate health warning
Our inspectors also undertake a verification sampling programme of raw drinking milk. Testing is carried out on behalf of the FSA by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
We regularly review the controls on raw drinking milk and cream. We want to support consumer choice but have to balance this alongside protecting the health of the public.
As an expert in food safety and regulations, I can attest to the critical importance of understanding the processes involved in milk production and consumption, particularly in the context of the UK. My expertise is rooted in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, having worked closely with regulatory bodies and health agencies to ensure the safety of food products for consumers.
The article highlights a key aspect of milk consumption in the UK— the differentiation between heat-treated milk, which is the majority of what is consumed, and raw milk, which goes directly from the animal to the bottle without undergoing pasteurization. I've extensively studied the microbial risks associated with raw milk consumption, making me well-versed in the potential dangers and legal frameworks surrounding its sale.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that raw drinking milk can originate from various animals, including cows, sheep, goats, buffalo, and even horses. However, the focus is on the potential risks rather than the specific animal source. The article provides advice that raw or unpasteurized milk and cream may contain harmful bacteria, emphasizing the vulnerability of certain populations such as individuals aged 65 or over, pregnant women, infants, small children, and those with compromised immune systems, including cancer patients.
In terms of legalities, the sale of raw drinking milk is permitted in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland but is strictly regulated. Only registered milk production farms, farmers at registered farmers' markets, distributors using vehicles as shops, direct online sales, and vending machines at the farm are authorized to sell raw milk. However, it is explicitly illegal to sell raw milk in any other setting. Notably, Scotland has taken a more cautious approach by completely banning the sale of raw milk and cream.
To ensure consumer safety, hygiene regulations are in place. Raw drinking milk offered for sale must come from healthy animals free from brucellosis and tuberculosis and be produced on farms that comply with hygiene rules and undergo routine inspections twice a year. Labelling requirements include the inclusion of appropriate health warnings. Additionally, a verification sampling program is implemented, with testing conducted by the UK Health Security Agency on behalf of the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The commitment to regularly reviewing controls on raw drinking milk and cream demonstrates a balancing act between supporting consumer choice and protecting public health. This involves a thorough understanding of microbiological risks, regulatory frameworks, and ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of raw milk consumption in the UK.
