No. Unpasteurized cheese is prohibited in Malaysia under the Food Regulations 1985, enforced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Food Safety and Quality Division (FSQD). Imported unpasteurized dairy products face automatic detention, while domestic production is banned. Exceptions require prior approval under strict conditions, including hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) compliance.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Malaysia
- Food Regulations 1985 (Regulation 36): Mandates pasteurization for all milk and dairy products, including cheese, unless exempted under specific conditions.
- FSQD Import Permit (2024 Guidelines): Unpasteurized cheese imports require pre-approval from the FSQD, with mandatory lab testing for Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli before release.
- HACCP Certification (2026 Transition): Domestic producers must implement HACCP by 2026; unpasteurized cheese processing remains prohibited unless validated under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.
The MOH’s 2023 risk assessment further tightens controls, citing high pathogen risks in unpasteurized dairy. Violations incur fines up to RM100,000 or imprisonment under the Food Act 1983. Exemptions are rare, limited to artisanal producers with validated aging processes (>60 days) and zero tolerance for pathogens.