No, unpasteurized cheese is prohibited in the UAE under federal food safety standards enforced by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). The country adheres to stringent import controls aligned with GCC and Codex Alimentarius guidelines, barring raw-milk cheeses due to microbial contamination risks. Exceptions require pre-approval from MOCCAE, with mandatory pasteurization or equivalent treatments.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in United Arab Emirates
- Federal Law No. 10 of 2015 on Food Safety mandates pasteurization for dairy products, including cheese, unless exempted via risk assessment.
- MOCCAE Import Guidelines (2024) require health certificates from exporting countries certifying pasteurization or equivalent processing for cheese shipments.
- Emirate-Specific Enforcement: Dubai Municipality and Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority conduct random inspections, seizing unpasteurized cheese at borders or retail outlets.
Non-compliance risks fines up to AED 2 million, product confiscation, or criminal liability under UAE Penal Code provisions for endangering public health. The UAE’s 2026 National Food Security Strategy further tightens dairy import protocols, prioritizing pathogen-free supply chains.