No, unpasteurized cheese is illegal in Minnesota unless aged ≥60 days, per Minnesota Statutes §31.111 and FDA standards. Retail sales of raw-milk cheese are prohibited, though aged varieties may be imported under strict federal exemptions. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture enforces these restrictions, aligning with 2023 FDA guidance on raw dairy safety.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Minnesota
- Aging Requirement: Cheese must be aged ≥60 days at ≥35°F to mitigate pathogen risk, per FDA 21 CFR §133.182. Minnesota adopts this federal standard without deviation.
- Retail Prohibition: Unpasteurized cheese may not be sold directly to consumers in Minnesota, including at farmers’ markets or specialty grocers, as per MDA Food Code §6-501.11.
- Import Restrictions: Only aged unpasteurized cheese from USDA-inspected facilities is permitted, with mandatory labeling of milk source and aging duration. Violations trigger MDA inspections and potential civil penalties.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) conducts routine audits of cheese producers and distributors, with heightened scrutiny post-2021 outbreaks linked to raw-milk products. Producers must maintain records of aging temperatures and supplier certifications to avoid enforcement actions. Exemptions for farmstead cheese require MDA pre-approval and compliance with Minnesota’s Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.