No, raw milk sales are prohibited nationwide under Japan’s Food Sanitation Act, enforced by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). Importing raw milk for consumption is also banned, with exceptions only for research or processing under strict permits. The 2026 revision to the Act tightens penalties, reflecting heightened food safety concerns over zoonotic risks.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Japan
- Prohibition on Sales: Article 6 of the Food Sanitation Act explicitly bans the sale of raw milk for direct human consumption, including via vending machines or farm stands.
- Permitted Uses Only: Raw milk may be used for cheese or butter production under MHLW-issued licenses, subject to pasteurization within 24 hours of milking.
- Import Restrictions: The Plant Protection Act and Animal Quarantine Service prohibit raw milk imports, even for personal use, with violations punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment or ¥1 million in fines.
Local health departments, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Bureau of Public Health, conduct routine inspections to ensure compliance, often collaborating with the MHLW’s regional offices. The 2026 amendments introduce mandatory HACCP-based controls for dairy processors handling raw milk, aligning with global standards while addressing domestic outbreaks linked to unpasteurized products.