Yes, raw milk sales are permitted in Belgium under stringent conditions.
Raw milk is legally available in Belgium, but only through direct farm sales or vending machines, subject to compliance with federal and regional hygiene standards enforced by the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC). As of 2026, new EU-aligned regulations further restrict unpasteurized dairy distribution, requiring mandatory labeling of health risks and prior registration of producers. Violations trigger immediate FASFC inspections and potential criminal liability under the Belgian Food Safety Act.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Belgium
- Direct Sales Only: Raw milk may only be sold on-farm or via registered vending machines; commercial retail distribution is prohibited under FASFC Order 2024/04.
- Mandatory Health Warnings: Labels must include the EU-approved risk statement: “Raw milk may contain harmful bacteria; boil before consumption” in Dutch, French, and German.
- Producer Registration & Testing: All suppliers must register with FASFC, undergo quarterly microbiological testing (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella), and maintain cold-chain logs below 6°C during storage and transport.