Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legal in Arkansas but tightly restricted under state and federal dairy laws. The Arkansas Department of Health enforces FDA standards, permitting aged raw-milk cheeses (60+ days) while banning fresher varieties. Recent 2026 updates to Arkansas’ Food Code align with FDA’s Model Food Code, tightening labeling and importation rules for raw-milk dairy products.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Arkansas
- Aging Requirement: Only raw-milk cheeses aged ≥60 days are permitted, per FDA 21 CFR §133.182 and Arkansas Regulation 007.03. Shorter-aged cheeses face immediate embargo.
- Labeling Compliance: All unpasteurized cheese must display “Made from Raw Milk” in 12-point font on the principal display panel, as mandated by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s 2025 Dairy Inspection Directive.
- Source Restrictions: Cheese must originate from licensed facilities inspected by the FDA or USDA, with Arkansas-approved imports requiring prior approval from the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission.
Violations trigger immediate quarantine under Arkansas’ 2024 Food Safety Act, with penalties up to $10,000 for repeat offenses. Local health departments conduct unannounced inspections, focusing on temperature logs and pathogen testing for raw-milk producers.