Banned Cheeses You Can't Taste In The US

Some beloved European cheeses are banned in the US because they don't meet federal import and safety rules, often tied to raw milk and aging standards. The restrictions target specific traditional versions, not always the cheese as a whole.

Why Are Some Cheeses Banned in the US?

US food safety regulations focus on pasteurization and aging to reduce health risks. Cheeses made from raw milk must typically be aged for at least 60 days to be sold. Traditional versions that skip pasteurization or age for less time can be blocked, even if they're celebrated elsewhere.

Cheeses You Can't Taste in the US

1. Casu Marzu

Casu Marzu, known as "maggot cheese," hails from Sardinia, Italy. Its fermentation involves live insect larvae, which break down fats to create a soft texture and strong flavor. Due to health concerns, Casu Marzu is banned in the US.

2. Epoisses de Bourgogne

Epoisses de Bourgogne is a French cheese with a pungent aroma and creamy texture. Made from raw cow's milk and washed in brandy, it is aged for several weeks. The US bans it because it is made from unpasteurized milk and does not meet the 60-day aging rule.

3. Reblochon

Reblochon is a soft, washed-rind cheese from the French Alps with a nutty, creamy flavor, traditionally made from raw cow's milk. The US prohibits its import due to unpasteurized milk and aging regulations.

4. Brie de Meaux

Brie de Meaux is a classic French cheese with a creamy interior and a white, bloomy rind. Like other raw milk cheeses aged for less than 60 days, Brie de Meaux is banned in the US.

5. Roquefort

Roquefort, a blue cheese from France, is made from raw sheep's milk and aged in limestone caves. Its distinct blue veins and tangy flavor make it a favorite. However, the US bans certain traditional versions due to import and safety rules.

6. Mimolette

Mimolette is a hard, orange cheese from France with a nutty flavor and crumbly texture. It is aged with cheese mites, which contribute to its unique taste. The presence of these mites has led to its ban in the US due to FDA concerns.

7. Vacherin Mont d'Or

Vacherin Mont d'Or is a seasonal cheese from Switzerland and France, known for its creamy, spoonable texture. Made from raw cow's milk and wrapped in spruce bark, it is banned in the US due to raw milk and aging regulations.

8. Saint-Nectaire

Saint-Nectaire is a semi-soft cheese from the Auvergne region of France with a creamy texture and earthy flavor from raw cow's milk. The US prohibits its import because it doesn't meet certain food safety standards.

9. Cabrales

Cabrales is a blue cheese from Spain, made from a blend of raw cow, goat, and sheep's milk. Aged in limestone caves, it has a strong, tangy flavor. The US bans it over food safety regulations.

10. Mont d'Or

Mont d'Or, also known as Vacherin du Haut-Doubs, is a French cheese with a creamy, almost liquid interior. Made from raw cow's milk and wrapped in spruce bark, the US bans it for reasons related to raw milk and aging regulations.

Missing Out on Unique Flavors

Banned cheeses in the US mean missing out on unique flavors. Roquefort, Brie de Meaux, and Epoisses de Bourgogne are just a few examples. These cheeses often have raw milk or specific aging processes that don't meet US regulations. While safety is important, it also means losing traditional tastes. If you travel abroad, try these cheeses. You might find a new favorite. Until then, explore local cheese shops for similar options. Some US-made cheeses come close to the originals. Keep an open mind and palate. You never know what delicious surprises you might find. Enjoy the journey of cheese discovery, even with the limitations.