Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legal in Greece under strict EU and national hygiene regulations, provided producers comply with microbiological safety standards and labeling requirements. The Hellenic Food Authority (EFSA) enforces these rules, aligning with EU Regulation 853/2004, while local PDO/PGI designations further govern traditional varieties like Feta and Graviera.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Greece
- EU Regulation 853/2004 Annex III, Section IX: Mandates hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) for raw milk cheeses, requiring testing for Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli at production and retail stages. Non-compliant batches face immediate withdrawal.
- Hellenic Food Authority (EFSA) Circular 2024/05: Local enforcement prioritizes artisanal producers, enforcing mandatory pasteurization for cheeses aged <60 days unless microbiological testing confirms safety. Small-scale dairies receive phased compliance deadlines extending to 2026.
- PDO/PGI Protected Designations: Traditional raw milk cheeses (e.g., Manouri, Kefalotyri) must adhere to EU-approved specifications, including raw milk sourcing and aging protocols. Deviations trigger delisting by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.
Producers must register with EFSA’s TRACES system for cross-border trade, while imports require third-country equivalence certificates. Non-EU raw milk cheeses face additional scrutiny under Regulation (EU) 2017/625, with mandatory border inspections at designated Greek ports. Failure to meet these standards results in confiscation or destruction under Greek Penal Code Article 322A.