No. Raw milk sales are prohibited in South Africa under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972) and Regulation R.1555 of 2018, enforced by the Department of Health and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS). The 2026 compliance framework tightens enforcement, requiring pasteurization for all commercial milk distribution.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in South Africa
- Prohibition of Sale: Regulation R.1555 explicitly bans the sale of raw milk for human consumption, classifying it as a health risk under Section 2(1)(a).
- Pasteurization Mandate: All milk intended for sale must undergo pasteurization or equivalent treatment, verified by NRCS-approved laboratories.
- Licensing Exemptions: Small-scale producers may apply for exemptions under Section 20 of Act 54, but only if sold directly to consumers on-farm with NRCS-approved hygiene controls.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (Act 68 of 2008) further reinforces these restrictions by holding sellers liable for mislabeling unpasteurized milk as “fresh” or “natural.” Non-compliance risks fines up to R1 million or imprisonment under Act 54’s penal provisions.