No, unpasteurized cheese is prohibited in Taiwan under the Food Safety and Sanitation Act and Standards for Milk and Milk Products. Imported raw-milk cheeses face near-total bans unless aged ≥60 days, per FDA Taiwan’s 2023 amendments aligning with CODEX standards. Domestic production of unpasteurized cheese remains illegal without special permits, which are rarely granted.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Taiwan
- 60-Day Aging Rule: Only raw-milk cheeses aged ≥60 days may enter Taiwan, per FDA Taiwan’s 2023 Import Standards for Dairy Products. Exceptions require pre-approval from the Bureau of Food Safety (BFS).
- Domestic Production Ban: Local unpasteurized cheese production is illegal under Article 15 of the Food Safety and Sanitation Act, which mandates pasteurization for milk-based products unless exempted by the BFS.
- Labeling and Certification: Importers must provide health certificates from exporting countries, proving compliance with Taiwan’s dairy standards. Mislabeling raw-milk cheese as pasteurized risks seizure and fines up to NT$3 million (≈US$95,000).
Taiwan’s regulatory framework reflects heightened food safety scrutiny, particularly post-2020 scandals involving unregulated dairy imports. The 2026 Food Safety Action Plan further tightens enforcement, prioritizing imported raw-milk cheeses for inspection. Violations trigger immediate detention, mandatory destruction, or criminal liability under Article 47 of the Act.