Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legal in Portugal under strict conditions.
Unpasteurized cheese may be sold if aged ≥60 days at ≥5°C, per EU Regulation 853/2004, enforced locally by the Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV). The 2026 EU Farm to Fork Strategy tightens controls on raw-milk cheeses, requiring enhanced traceability and hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) compliance. Domestic producers must register with DGAV, while imports require sanitary certificates from origin countries. Non-compliant cheeses face seizure under Decreto-Lei n.º 28/2016.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Portugal
- Aging Requirement: Minimum 60 days at ≥5°C for raw-milk cheeses, aligning with EU hygiene standards.
- Traceability Mandates: Producers must maintain records of milk sources, processing steps, and aging conditions for DGAV audits.
- Import Controls: Third-country cheeses require EU-approved sanitary certificates and pre-border checks by Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica (ASAE).
Non-compliant products risk immediate withdrawal under Regulamento (CE) n.º 178/2002, with penalties up to €44,891.81 for businesses, per Decreto-Lei n.º 113/2011.