No. Unpasteurized cheese is prohibited in Singapore under the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority’s (AVA) food safety regulations, which align with WHO Codex standards. The import and sale of raw milk cheeses aged under 60 days are banned due to Listeria monocytogenes risks. Exemptions require pre-approval from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), which enforces strict microbiological testing and labeling mandates.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Singapore
- Import Ban: Raw milk cheeses aged <60 days are prohibited under the Sale of Food Act and Food Regulations. Importers must obtain SFA permits for aged raw milk cheeses (>60 days), subject to microbiological clearance.
- Domestic Sale Restrictions: Local producers may manufacture unpasteurized cheese only if aged ≥60 days and compliant with SFA’s Guidelines on Cheese Production. Retailers must display “Made from Raw Milk” labels with allergen warnings.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: The SFA’s upcoming Food Regulations (Amendment) Bill will tighten import controls, requiring third-party certification for raw milk cheeses aged 60–90 days. Non-compliant products face immediate detention and destruction.
Violations trigger penalties under the Environmental Public Health Act, including fines up to SGD 10,000 or imprisonment. Businesses must verify supplier certifications and maintain traceability records. The SFA’s Food Import Requirements portal provides real-time updates on permissible raw milk cheese origins.