No, unpasteurized cheese is prohibited for retail sale in Nebraska under the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) 2023 Food Safety Regulations, aligning with FDA standards. Hard cheeses aged ≥60 days are exempt, but soft or fresh cheeses remain illegal unless pasteurized. Violations risk fines or product seizures.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Nebraska
- Age Restriction: Only unpasteurized hard cheeses aged ≥60 days may be sold, per NDA Rule 15-003 (2023).
- Retail Ban: Soft, fresh, or semi-soft unpasteurized cheeses are banned from grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and restaurants.
- Labeling Mandates: Exempt cheeses must display “MADE FROM RAW MILK” and origin details; mislabeling incurs penalties under Nebraska’s Food Code §3-401.
The NDA enforces these rules through routine inspections and partnerships with local health departments. Nebraska’s stance mirrors federal FDA guidelines, which classify unpasteurized cheese as a public health risk unless aged. The 2026 Nebraska Food Safety Modernization Act draft proposes stricter traceability for exempt cheeses, signaling potential future tightening. Producers and retailers must verify compliance with both state and federal standards to avoid enforcement actions.