No, unpasteurized cheese is prohibited in Vietnam under food safety laws unless imported under strict conditions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA) enforce bans on raw-milk cheeses due to Listeria monocytogenes risks. Import permits require proof of pasteurization or equivalent processing, with 2026 compliance audits tightening enforcement.
Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Vietnam
- Prohibition under MOH Circular 43/2018/TT-BYT: Raw-milk cheeses are classified as high-risk products, requiring pasteurization or equivalent treatments before sale. Violations trigger fines up to VND 200 million (≈USD 8,500).
- Import Restrictions via Decree 15/2018/ND-CP: Unpasteurized cheeses may only enter Vietnam with pre-approval from the VFA, accompanied by sanitary certificates from exporting countries. The 2026 National Food Safety Action Plan mandates third-party lab testing for Listeria and E. coli.
- Domestic Production Bans: Local manufacturers are barred from producing unpasteurized cheese under the Food Safety Law 2023, with provincial health departments conducting quarterly inspections. Exemptions for traditional European cheeses (e.g., Comté, Gruyère) require case-by-case approval from the VFA’s Scientific Council.