Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legal in Indiana but only if aged 60+ days and compliant with FDA and IDOA standards. Retail sales require adherence to 21 CFR §133, while raw milk cheeses face stricter local inspections due to recent 2026 IDOA enforcement directives.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Indiana
- Aging Requirement: Unpasteurized cheese must be aged ≥60 days at ≥35°F (2°C) per FDA 21 CFR §133.169, enforced by the Indiana Department of Agriculture (IDOA).
- Labeling Compliance: Cheeses must display “Made from Raw Milk” prominently, per Indiana’s 2025 Food Labeling Act amendments, audited by the IDOA’s Food Protection Division.
- Retail Restrictions: Sales are permitted only in licensed retail establishments; direct-to-consumer farm sales require a separate Raw Milk Dairy Permit under IC 16-41-3-22, monitored by local health departments.
Indiana aligns with federal standards but imposes additional state-level inspections, particularly for raw milk cheeses sold in farmers’ markets or specialty grocers. The IDOA’s 2026 compliance shift emphasizes traceability logs for unpasteurized dairy products, aligning with FSMA’s Preventive Controls Rule. Violations trigger immediate product seizures and permit suspensions.