Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legal in Montana but subject to stringent state and federal dairy safety standards. Montana aligns with FDA regulations, permitting raw-milk cheese aged ≥60 days, while imposing additional labeling and inspection requirements enforced by the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) and local health departments.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Montana
- Aging Requirement: Raw-milk cheese must be aged ≥60 days at ≥35°F (1.7°C) to mitigate pathogen risks, per FDA standards adopted by MDOL.
- Labeling Mandates: Cheese must display “Made from raw milk” prominently, including producer name, source milk origin, and processing facility registration under MDOL’s Dairy Program.
- Inspection Protocols: Facilities producing or distributing unpasteurized cheese undergo unannounced MDOL inspections, with penalties for violations including fines up to $10,000 or permit suspension.
Montana’s 2024 amendments to MCA 81-22-101 expanded traceability requirements for raw-milk cheese, aligning with FDA’s 2026 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) updates. Retail sales require compliance with county health ordinances, which may impose stricter storage or handling conditions. Out-of-state producers must register with MDOL and provide third-party lab results for E. coli and Listeria testing. Violations trigger immediate embargoes under MCA 81-22-403, with appeals heard by the Board of Livestock.