FSA board to consider wider access to raw milk

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) board is being asked to consider wider access to raw milk, including limited sales from vending machines in shops, and changes to hygiene controls.

The agency published the proposals in a board paper on 11 July, following a review and a four-month public consultation.

The proposals cover England, Wales and Northern Ireland; the sale of raw milk is banned in Scotland.

Existing regulations to manage the potential risks from raw milk are working well, said the FSA, adding that there was also strong support from existing consumers and producers for continued, wider and controlled access to raw milk.

Currently, selling raw milk from vending machines placed in shops is not allowed; however, they can be placed on farm premises.

Subject to the FSA board’s agreement, the agency will meet raw milk producers to discuss the practicalities of vending machine sales in shops, and decide on any additional controls required to ensure that the risks are being managed.

FSA policy head Steve Wearne said: "Throughout this review process we have sought to balance consumer protection with consumer choice.

"It is clear that the current raw milk regulations have worked well to control the risks from raw milk. We are not advising that these controls should be removed completely as they are necessary for continued consumer protection.

"However, we believe there is the opportunity for us to make changes which balance modest liberalisation of sales with controls on production that ensure continued consumer protection."