No, raw milk sales are prohibited nationwide under Argentina’s Ley 18.284 (Food Code), enforced by the Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca (SAGyP). Exceptions exist only for direct farm-to-consumer sales in provinces with local ordinances, but these remain rare and tightly controlled.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Argentina
- National Ban: Ley 18.284 (Art. 201) explicitly prohibits the commercialization of raw milk for human consumption, citing public health risks. Violations trigger fines or criminal liability under Código Alimentario Argentino.
- Provincial Loopholes: Some jurisdictions (e.g., Buenos Aires, Córdoba) permit direct sales from farms to consumers if the producer complies with SAGyP’s sanitary protocols, including mandatory pasteurization testing. These are not retail sales but niche exceptions.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Ministerio de Salud is drafting stricter guidelines to align with WHO standards, potentially closing existing loopholes. Producers must monitor updates to Resolución 33/2023 (SAGyP) for enforcement changes.
Enforcement Focus: Authorities prioritize urban markets and dairy processors. Rural areas face sporadic inspections, but non-compliance risks product seizure or criminal charges under Ley 24.240 (Consumer Protection).