Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legal in Mexico but subject to stringent sanitary controls enforced by COFEPRIS and NOM standards, with regional variations in compliance requirements.
Unpasteurized cheese may be sold in Mexico if it complies with NOM-243-SSA1-2010, which mandates strict hygiene controls and pathogen testing. The Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) oversees market authorization, while state-level health departments conduct inspections. Imported unpasteurized cheeses face additional scrutiny under NOM-127-SSA1-1994 for microbiological safety. Recent 2026 regulatory updates require producers to implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, aligning with international food safety trends.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Mexico
- NOM-243-SSA1-2010: Requires unpasteurized cheeses to undergo thermal or chemical treatments unless aged ≥60 days at ≥2°C, with mandatory Listeria monocytogenes testing.
- COFEPRIS Authorization: All unpasteurized cheese producers must register products and facilities, with periodic audits for compliance with sanitary control plans.
- State-Level Enforcement: Local health departments (e.g., SSA in each state) verify compliance with NOM-127-SSA1-1994, including pH and moisture content thresholds for soft cheeses.
Imports face heightened restrictions under NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010, requiring certification from the exporting country’s equivalent regulatory body. Non-compliant products risk seizure or destruction under Ley General de Salud enforcement protocols.