Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legal in Pennsylvania under strict conditions, aligning with FDA standards and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) oversight. Retail sales require cheese aged ≥60 days, while raw-milk cheese for direct consumer purchase at farms must comply with PDA’s 2024 raw milk dairy regulations. Interstate sales adhere to federal 21 CFR 133, but intrastate producers face additional PDA inspections.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Pennsylvania
- Aging Requirement: Unpasteurized cheese sold at retail must be aged ≥60 days at ≥35°F, per 7 Pa. Code § 59a.12. Soft cheeses (e.g., Camembert) are prohibited unless pasteurized.
- Direct-to-Consumer Sales: Farm-produced raw-milk cheese sold on-site must originate from PDA-licensed dairies and undergo quarterly microbial testing for Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli.
- Labeling Mandates: Labels must declare “made from raw milk” and include the dairy’s PDA permit number. Imported cheeses require FDA certification and PDA inspection upon entry.
PDA’s 2026 draft rules propose stricter traceability protocols for raw-milk cheese, including blockchain-based lot tracking for high-risk varieties. Violations trigger immediate embargoes under 3 Pa. Code § 45.14. Consult PDA’s Dairy Safety Manual for updated guidance.