No, unpasteurized cheese is illegal in Alabama unless aged ≥60 days, per Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) dairy regulations. The state enforces FDA standards, barring raw milk cheeses under 60 days due to Listeria risks. Retail sales of younger unpasteurized cheeses are prohibited, though aged imports may circulate under federal exemptions.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Alabama
- Aging Requirement: Unpasteurized cheeses must be aged ≥60 days at ≥35°F, aligning with FDA 21 CFR §133.182. Shorter-aged cheeses face confiscation under ADPH inspections.
- Retail Restrictions: Grocers and specialty shops cannot stock unpasteurized cheeses aged <60 days. Violations trigger fines up to $500 per ADPH’s 2024 Food Code enforcement guidelines.
- Import Compliance: Out-of-state unpasteurized cheeses must carry USDA certification proving ≥60-day aging. Alabama’s 2026 proposed rule changes may tighten import documentation for raw milk products.
Local health departments conduct routine dairy inspections, with 2025 pilot programs testing rapid Listeria detection in aged cheeses. Producers violating aging protocols risk immediate product seizure and license suspension.