Raw milk, or unpasteurized milk, is milk that has not been heated to a high temperature to kill potentially harmful bacteria. For generations, milk was consumed raw, but the process of pasteurization was widely adopted in the 20th century to mitigate health risks from pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Today, a growing interest in unprocessed foods has sparked a debate about the benefits and risks of raw milk, leading to a patchwork of regulations worldwide. This guide explores the diverse legal landscapes governing unpasteurized milk access across different countries.
Unpasteurized Milk Regulations in Europe
The European Union, with the exception of Scotland, generally permits the sale of raw milk and raw milk products, but individual member states can and do impose their own restrictions. This has resulted in a varied approach, from widespread retail availability to limited direct-to-consumer sales.
- France and Italy: In these countries, raw milk (and especially raw milk cheeses) are viewed as high-quality products. Raw milk is often available in grocery stores and from local farms.
- Germany: Packaged raw milk, known as 'Vorzugsmilch,' is sold in health food stores and supermarkets under stringent quality restrictions. Unpackaged raw milk is also sold directly from farms with a mandatory health warning to boil it before use.
- Switzerland: While federal law does not permit retail sales, a loophole allows raw milk to be sold via vending machines at farms, a method adopted by hundreds of producers.
- England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: The sale of raw drinking milk is legal, but only via direct sales from registered producers. This includes on-farm shops, farmers' markets, or a home delivery service. Products must carry a health warning.
- Scotland: Following serious food poisoning outbreaks, the sale of raw milk for human consumption was banned in Scotland in 1983 and the ban was later extended.
Raw Milk Laws in North America
Regulation in North America is highly divided, with stark contrasts between the US and Canada.
- United States: Federal law prohibits the interstate commerce of raw milk for human consumption. However, state laws dictate availability, creating a complex system. Access can be through retail sales (e.g., California), on-farm purchases, or herdshare agreements, while some states have total prohibitions on sale. As of 2025, consuming raw milk is legal in all 50 states, but procuring it commercially is not.
- Canada: The sale of raw milk for human consumption is illegal across all provinces under the Food and Drug Regulations. Despite ongoing debate, enforcement and legal challenges continue.
Australia and New Zealand: A Tale of Two Neighbors
Australia and New Zealand, despite their geographical proximity, have adopted completely different stances on unpasteurized milk.
- Australia: The sale of raw milk for human consumption is illegal in all states and territories due to public health concerns. Producers have tried to circumvent the law by labeling products as 'bath milk,' leading to further regulation.
- New Zealand: In contrast, New Zealand allows the sale of highly regulated raw milk. Registered producers can sell directly to consumers via farm collection, delivery, or on-farm vending machines, with volume limits.
Other Notable Regions
- Africa and Asia: In some rural parts of Africa and Asia, particularly among nomadic and pastoral communities, consuming raw milk directly from the animal is common and traditional.
- Japan: While unpasteurized milk is generally uncommon, milk labeled as 'raw' (nama) can be found, though it is still heat-treated to an extent.
Comparative Global Raw Milk Regulations
| Country | Retail Sales | On-Farm Sales | Vending Machine Sales | Specific Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Varies by state; legal in some | Varies by state; legal in many | No; varies by state | Interstate sale for human consumption is illegal |
| Canada | Illegal | Illegal | Illegal | Completely banned nationwide |
| France | Legal | Legal | Not common | Raw milk cheese production is also common |
| United Kingdom | Illegal | Legal (direct only) | Legal (on-farm) | In England/Wales/NI; requires health warning and direct sale |
| Australia | Illegal | Illegal | Illegal | Banned for human consumption |
| New Zealand | Illegal | Legal (regulated) | Legal (regulated) | High regulation, direct to consumer, volume limits |
| Germany | Legal ('Vorzugsmilch') | Legal (with warning) | Common at farms | Strict quality control for packaged sales |
Key Considerations Driving Regulations
Governments worldwide weigh several factors when creating and enforcing raw milk laws:
- Public Health: The primary driver for most restrictions is the risk of foodborne illness from bacteria found in raw milk. Pasteurization is widely seen as a crucial public health measure.
- Consumer Choice: Advocates for raw milk argue for the right to choose their food, citing a preference for flavor, perceived nutritional benefits, and supporting local farms.
- Economic Impact: Regulated raw milk sales can provide a higher-value market for small dairy farmers, offering an alternative to selling to large-scale processors.
- Traditional Practices: In many cultures, raw milk consumption is a long-standing tradition, and regulations must consider this historical context.
Conclusion
The question of whether to permit unpasteurized milk is a global one with no single answer. From the broad availability in countries like France to the total bans in Canada and Australia, the global landscape reflects differing priorities regarding public health, consumer freedom, and economic realities. For those interested in sourcing raw milk, understanding the specific regulations of their location is essential. In many areas, access is limited to farm-gate sales or specific co-ops, while elsewhere, it may be found on store shelves or in vending machines, all under varying levels of scrutiny. The ongoing debate ensures that the legal status of raw milk remains a dynamic and regionally diverse topic.
For more information on raw milk regulations, the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund provides a resource focused on the legal aspects, particularly within the US context, at https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/.
What are the potential health risks associated with raw milk?
- Foodborne Illness Risks: Raw milk can harbor dangerous bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Why do some people prefer raw milk over pasteurized milk?
- Perceived Health Benefits: Proponents of raw milk claim it contains more beneficial bacteria, enzymes, and nutrients than pasteurized milk, which they believe are destroyed during the heating process. They also often cite better flavor and a connection to farm-fresh produce.
What is a herdshare agreement?
- Shared Ownership: A herdshare agreement is a legal arrangement where an individual buys a 'share' of a dairy animal or herd. This allows them to receive a portion of the raw milk produced by that animal, which is considered a legal way to acquire raw milk in areas where commercial sales are prohibited.
Is raw milk cheese legal in more places than raw fluid milk?
- Aged Cheese Exemption: Yes, in many countries, including Canada and the US, raw milk cheese that has been aged for 60 days or more is legal for sale and consumption, as the aging process is thought to reduce harmful pathogens.
Why was pasteurization introduced in the first place?
- Public Health Tool: Pasteurization was widely adopted in the early 20th century as a critical public health measure to reduce the spread of diseases, such as tuberculosis, that were historically transmitted through contaminated milk supplies.
What is the difference between raw milk and 'Vorzugsmilch' in Germany?
- Specialized Certification: 'Vorzugsmilch' is a certified packaged raw milk product in Germany that has to meet very stringent quality and hygiene standards and is sold in retail stores. This differs from standard raw milk, which can only be sold directly from the farm with a warning to boil it.
What is 'bath milk' in Australia?
- Labeling Loophole: Due to the ban on raw milk for human consumption in Australia, some producers have labeled and sold their raw milk as 'bath milk,' a product for cosmetic use. However, regulatory authorities have acted to close this loophole.
