No, unpasteurized cheese is prohibited in Washington D.C. under the D.C. Municipal Regulations (DCMR) Title 25-A, which aligns with the FDA’s 2026 Food Code revisions banning raw milk cheeses aged less than 60 days. Exceptions exist only for cheeses aged ≥60 days, provided they meet federal and local dairy safety standards.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Washington D.C.
- Aging Requirement: Unpasteurized cheese must be aged ≥60 days at ≥35°F to mitigate microbial risks, per DCMR §25-A-101.
- Licensing & Inspection: D.C. Department of Health (DC Health) mandates permits for dairy producers, with unannounced inspections verifying compliance with pasteurization or aging protocols.
- Labeling Mandates: Cheeses sold in D.C. must display “pasteurized” or “aged ≥60 days” on labels, enforced by the D.C. Office of Weights and Measures.
Local enforcement has tightened since 2024, with DC Health collaborating with the FDA to target unpermitted raw milk cheese imports. Violations may result in product seizures, fines up to $10,000, or criminal charges under D.C. Code §7-2301.01.