Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legal in Ohio but subject to strict federal and state regulations, primarily under the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) dairy safety protocols. Federal law (21 CFR § 133) permits hard cheeses aged ≥60 days, while Ohio enforces additional labeling and inspection requirements. Recent 2026 ODA guidance tightens traceability for raw-milk cheeses, aligning with FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) priorities.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Ohio
- Aging Requirement: Only cheeses aged ≥60 days may be sold, per 21 CFR § 133.169, unless exempted by ODA for specific varieties (e.g., certain Alpine styles).
- Labeling Mandates: Labels must include the term “raw milk cheese,” producer’s permit number, and allergen declarations (Ohio Rev. Code § 917.04).
- Inspection Protocols: ODA conducts quarterly inspections of licensed dairy processors, with unannounced visits for facilities handling unpasteurized products. Non-compliant batches face immediate embargo under Ohio’s Dairy Products Act (ORC § 917.02).
Additional restrictions apply to interstate sales: Ohio enforces the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) for cheeses originating outside the state, requiring proof of compliance with FDA’s interstate milk shippers list. Local health departments may impose supplementary controls during outbreaks, as seen in Franklin County’s 2025 Listeria response protocol.