No. Unpasteurized cheese is illegal in Alaska unless aged ≥60 days, per FDA standards enforced by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). Retail sales of raw-milk cheese are prohibited, though aged varieties may enter interstate commerce.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Alaska
- 60-Day Aging Requirement: Only unpasteurized cheeses aged ≥60 days at ≥35°F are permitted, aligning with FDA 21 CFR §133. Only hard cheeses like aged Gouda or Parmesan qualify.
- Prohibition on Raw-Milk Cheese Sales: ADEC prohibits the sale of raw-milk cheese within Alaska, including at farmers’ markets or specialty stores. Violations may trigger fines or product seizures.
- Interstate Commerce Exemption: Cheeses aged ≥60 days may be imported from other states if compliant with FDA regulations, but intrastate production remains banned under Alaska Statute 11.61.120.
ADEC’s 2023 guidance emphasizes strict adherence to FDA’s Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), with 2026 inspections targeting dairy processors for raw-milk cheese violations. Local health departments conduct routine checks, and non-compliant products face immediate embargo. Imported cheeses must bear USDA certification or equivalent documentation.