Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legal in Switzerland but subject to stringent controls under federal food safety laws. The Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) permits its sale if producers comply with hygiene standards, including raw milk sourcing from certified herds and mandatory aging periods. Recent 2026 amendments to the Ordinance on Food of Animal Origin tighten traceability requirements, particularly for soft cheeses, to mitigate Listeria monocytogenes risks. Retailers must display origin labels, and imports face additional scrutiny under EU-Swiss bilateral agreements.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Switzerland
- Aging Mandates: Hard cheeses must age ≥60 days; soft cheeses require ≥90 days unless tested pathogen-free. Exemptions apply only to artisanal producers with FSVO-approved HACCP plans.
- Raw Milk Sourcing: Milk must originate from herds tested quarterly for zoonotic pathogens (e.g., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis). Organic farms face extra inspections under the Swiss Organic Ordinance.
- Labeling & Traceability: Products must bear “au lait cru” labels with producer IDs, batch numbers, and retail distribution chains. Digital logs (via Traceability Platform Switzerland) are mandatory for all commercial sales post-2026.