No, unpasteurized cheese is illegal in Tennessee unless it meets narrow federal exceptions, as the state enforces the FDA’s pasteurization mandate under 21 CFR § 133.182. Tennessee’s Department of Agriculture aligns with these federal standards, banning raw-milk cheeses aged less than 60 days. Retail sales of non-compliant cheeses are prohibited, though limited direct-to-consumer sales may occur under strict federal exemptions.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Tennessee
- Federal Pasteurization Mandate: Tennessee enforces FDA regulations requiring all cheeses sold at retail to be made from pasteurized milk, with 60-day aging as the sole exception for raw-milk varieties (21 CFR § 133.182).
- State Enforcement: The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) conducts routine inspections of dairy processors and retailers, seizing non-compliant unpasteurized cheeses under the Tennessee Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
- Limited Exemptions: Direct-to-consumer sales of raw-milk cheese aged ≥60 days are permitted under federal law (21 CFR § 133.182), but Tennessee imposes additional labeling and record-keeping requirements enforced by the TDA.
Recent 2026 compliance shifts include stricter third-party testing protocols for imported raw-milk cheeses, aligning Tennessee with FDA’s updated Model Food Code provisions. Violations may result in civil penalties or criminal misdemeanor charges under Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-1-401.