Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legally permitted in Denmark but under stringent conditions. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen) enforces EU Regulation 853/2004, requiring raw-milk cheeses to undergo maturation for at least 60 days or comply with alternative risk-mitigation protocols. Domestic production adheres to national hygiene standards, while imports face rigorous border controls to prevent Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Recent 2026 draft amendments propose stricter labeling requirements for artisanal producers.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Denmark
- Maturation Requirement: Raw-milk cheeses must be aged ≥60 days unless validated through hazard analysis (HACCP) under EU 853/2004. Shorter aging periods require documented pathogen testing.
- Domestic Production: Danish dairies must register with Fødevarestyrelsen and implement EU-approved hygiene controls (Regulation 852/2004). Unpasteurized cheeses are exempt from VAT if labeled “råmælk” (raw milk).
- Import Restrictions: Third-country cheeses require certification of equivalent safety standards. The EU’s 2026 contingency plans mandate additional microbiological checks for raw-milk imports from high-risk regions.