Bushra Griffith
The United States has strict laws and regulations affecting the cheese and dairy industry. The FDA-mandated pasteurization of all milk products for human consumption was instituted in 1987, making it difficult to find unpasteurized cheese in the US. However, unpasteurized cheese can be found in certain states and is often sold at local farmers' markets, upscale markets, specialty shops, and some restaurants. It is important to read labels carefully and be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming unpasteurized cheese, especially for pregnant women, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Unpasteurized cheese that poses a risk | Those aged for less than 60 days |
| Recommendation by CDC | Pregnant women should avoid unpasteurized cheese aged for less than 60 days |
| Availability in the US | Only in 29 states that allow the sale of raw milk products |
| Availability in the US | In high-end restaurants, local farmers' markets, local "health food co-ops", and specialty shops |
| Availability in the US | In grocery stores, but clearly labeled as "raw" or "unpasteurized" |
| Availability in the US | In shops like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's |
| Availability in the US | In small batches at farms or local dairies |
| Legality of sales | Interstate sales are banned |
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What You'll Learn
- Unpasteurized cheese is banned in the US if aged under 60 days
- Raw milk products are banned from interstate sale, but some states allow them
- Unpasteurized cheeses are usually soft, pungent, and spreadable
- High-end restaurants, farmers' markets, and specialty shops sell unpasteurized cheese
- Pregnant women, infants, and the elderly should avoid unpasteurized cheese
Unpasteurized cheese is banned in the US if aged under 60 days
Despite this, unpasteurized cheese is made and sold in the US. In 1987, the FDA banned interstate sales of raw milk, but unpasteurized dairy products can be sold within certain states. There are 29 American states that allow the sale of raw milk products. Unpasteurized cheese can be found at local farmers' markets, local health food co-ops, and upscale markets such as Whole Foods. High-end restaurants and artisan cheese shops may also sell unpasteurized cheese. It is recommended that consumers read the label or ask their server to determine whether a cheese is pasteurized or unpasteurized.
The FDA-mandated pasteurization of all milk products for human consumption has been a contentious issue. Many countries support the production and consumption of raw milk cheese, and the French celebrate it as part of their culinary culture. Groups like the Oldways Cheese Coalition have argued that overzealous restrictions hurt small producers in America needlessly.
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Raw milk products are banned from interstate sale, but some states allow them
Raw milk products are banned from interstate sale in the US, but some states allow them. In 1987, the FDA banned the sale of raw milk across state lines, but unpasteurized dairy products can be sold within certain states. Twenty-nine American states allow the sale of raw milk products, and these products are often clearly labelled as "raw" or "unpasteurized".
Unpasteurized cheeses are typically soft, rich, and pungent, and they are often spread on bread. They are also usually made from raw milk, which is unsafe for consumption by certain groups, including infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised. The CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid these cheeses, and some doctors say to avoid all raw milk cheese.
Unpasteurized cheese can be found at local farmers' markets, health food co-ops, and upscale markets like Whole Foods. High-end restaurants and artisan cheese shops may also carry unpasteurized cheese. However, it is important to note that unpasteurized cheese is typically more common and less regulated outside of the US.
For those who wish to consume unpasteurized cheese, it is important to read the labels carefully and be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming raw milk products.
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Unpasteurized cheeses are usually soft, pungent, and spreadable
Unpasteurized cheese is made and sold in the US, but it is subject to strict regulations. In 1987, the FDA banned interstate sales of raw milk, but unpasteurized dairy products can be sold within certain states. Twenty-nine American states allow the sale of raw milk products.
Unpasteurized cheese is often labelled as "raw" in the US. It can be found in local farmers' markets, local health food co-ops, and upscale markets like Whole Foods. It is also used in some high-end restaurants and artisan cheese shops.
Unpasteurized cheese is often called "raw" cheese because it is made from raw milk that has not been heated to a high temperature to kill potentially harmful bacteria. This means that unpasteurized cheese can cause illness, with side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, and flu-like symptoms. It is especially unsafe for infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised.
To determine whether a cheese is pasteurized or unpasteurized, it is best to read the label or ask the server at a restaurant. Even cheddar, America's most commonly eaten cheese, can be made with raw milk, usually sold in small batches at a farm or local dairy.
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High-end restaurants, farmers' markets, and specialty shops sell unpasteurized cheese
In the United States, unpasteurized cheese can be found at high-end restaurants, farmers' markets, and specialty shops. While the FDA mandates the pasteurization of all milk products for human consumption, there are still ways to get your hands on unpasteurized cheese domestically.
High-end restaurants are known to serve unpasteurized cheese. This is often imported from Europe and can be quite pricey. If you're looking to indulge in a fancy meal featuring raw cheese, be sure to inquire about the cheese platter or ask your server if they offer any unpasteurized options.
Farmers' markets are another great option for sourcing unpasteurized cheese. Local farmers' markets often carry products from nearby farms, including cheese made with raw milk. Keep an eye out for vendors selling dairy products and inquire about their cheese-making process. Remember to only purchase from reputable sources to ensure food safety.
Specialty shops, including artisan cheese shops, are also worth exploring. These shops cater to cheese connoisseurs and often carry a diverse selection of cheeses, including unpasteurized varieties. Their staff is usually knowledgeable about the cheese-making process and can guide you in selecting the right unpasteurized cheese for your taste preferences.
When purchasing unpasteurized cheese, it's important to remember that the CDC and other US agencies advise against consuming raw milk products, especially for infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Always read the labels, and if in doubt, ask the seller about the cheese's production process and ingredients.
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Pregnant women, infants, and the elderly should avoid unpasteurized cheese
Unpasteurized cheese is harder to come by in the US than in other countries due to the FDA-mandated pasteurization of all milk products for human consumption that was instituted in 1987. However, unpasteurized cheese can still be found in certain states, such as at local farmers' markets, specialty shops, upscale markets, and high-end restaurants.
While unpasteurized cheese is a tasty treat for many, there are certain groups of people who should avoid it due to health risks. These include pregnant women, infants, and the elderly. This is because unpasteurized cheese may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli or Listeria, which can cause foodborne illnesses. These illnesses can be particularly dangerous for those who are pregnant, as they may lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or illness in the baby. Listeria can also be passed to the baby even if the mother does not show any symptoms of illness.
Pregnant women are 10 to 20 times more likely to get listeriosis, a rare illness caused by the Listeria bacteria, than other adults. This is due to changes in the immune system during pregnancy, which place pregnant women, their unborn children, and their newborns at increased risk of foodborne illness. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, Feta, and Gorgonzola, as well as soft Mexican-style cheeses, unless they are made with pasteurized milk. Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are generally safe to consume during pregnancy.
Infants and young children are also at risk of developing foodborne illnesses from consuming unpasteurized cheese and milk products. The elderly are another group that should avoid these products, as their immune systems may be weakened and less able to fight off potential infections. Therefore, it is important for these vulnerable groups to stick to pasteurized cheese and milk products to reduce the risk of illness.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to get unpasteurized cheese in the US. While the FDA banned the interstate sales of raw milk in 1987, unpasteurized dairy products can be sold within certain states.
Unpasteurized cheese can be found at local farmers' markets, "health food co-ops", and upscale markets like Whole Foods. Some restaurants also serve unpasteurized cheese, especially high-end restaurants.
According to the FDA, CDC, and other US agencies, raw milk is especially unsafe for infants and young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. Pregnant women are also advised to avoid consuming unpasteurized cheese or milk products.
