Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legal in Israel but subject to stringent public health controls enforced by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Israel Standards Institute (SII). Sales require health permits, mandatory labeling of pasteurization status, and adherence to 2026 MoH guidelines tightening raw-milk cheese production hygiene.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Israel
- Mandatory Health Permits: Producers must obtain permits from the MoH’s Food Control Services, proving compliance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards for raw-milk cheese.
- Labeling Requirements: Packaging must explicitly state “unpasteurized” in Hebrew and Arabic, alongside the producer’s license number and expiration date, per SII SI 1145:2023.
- Age Restrictions: Cheese aged ≥60 days is permitted, aligning with EU-equivalent standards, but fresh raw-milk cheeses face near-total bans under MoH circular 5/2024.