No. Unpasteurized cheese is prohibited for sale in Thailand under the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and its amendments, as the FDA classifies it as a high-risk product due to listeria and E. coli contamination risks. Importation requires prior approval from the Thai FDA, which enforces strict microbiological standards under Notification of the Ministry of Public Health (No. 387) B.E. 2562 (2019). Domestic production remains illegal without specialized licensing.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Thailand
- Prohibition on Sale: Unpasteurized cheese cannot be sold domestically under Food Act B.E. 2522, Section 6, which bans high-risk foods unless exempted.
- Import Restrictions: Importers must obtain pre-approval from the Thai FDA under Notification of the Ministry of Public Health (No. 387) B.E. 2562, which mandates microbiological testing for pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: The FDA’s upcoming Food Safety Act (Draft 2026) proposes stricter traceability requirements for dairy imports, including cheese, aligning with ASEAN harmonized standards.
Enforcement targets both retailers and distributors, with penalties ranging from fines (up to THB 500,000) to imprisonment (up to 2 years) under Food Act B.E. 2522, Section 63. Exemptions exist for aged cheeses (e.g., Parmigiano Reggiano >90 days), but only if pre-approved and labeled with origin certification.