Yes, unpasteurized cheese is legal in South Carolina but strictly regulated under state and federal food safety laws. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) enforces the South Carolina Food Code, which aligns with the FDA’s Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO). Retail sales of raw milk cheese aged ≥60 days are permitted, but producers must comply with labeling, licensing, and inspection requirements. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize third-party testing for Listeria monocytogenes in soft raw milk cheeses.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in South Carolina
- Aging Requirement: Cheese must be aged at ≥35°F for ≥60 days to mitigate pathogen risks, per SCDHEC’s adoption of FDA PMO standards.
- Licensing & Inspections: Producers and retailers require SCDHEC permits; facilities face unannounced inspections to verify compliance with sanitation and temperature controls.
- Labeling Mandates: Unpasteurized cheese must display “Made from Raw Milk” prominently, along with allergen warnings and producer contact information.