Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legal in Italy under strict regulatory frameworks. Italian law permits its sale and production, provided producers comply with EU hygiene regulations and regional health standards. The 2026 compliance shifts under the Decreto Legislativo 28/2021 reinforce traceability and aging requirements, particularly for raw-milk cheeses aged less than 60 days.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Italy
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EU Hygiene Package Compliance: Producers must adhere to Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 and 853/2004, mandating rigorous hygiene controls for raw-milk processing. The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale conducts mandatory microbiological testing for pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes.
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Aging Requirements: Raw-milk cheeses aged under 60 days face heightened scrutiny due to EU food safety risks. The Ministero della Salute enforces this threshold, aligning with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls.
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Regional Health Certifications: Local Aziende Sanitarie Locali (ASL) issue production permits, verifying compliance with Italian Decreto Legislativo 193/2007. Producers in regions like Emilia-Romagna must also meet Disciplinari di Produzione standards for PDO/PGI cheeses.