Camembert, Roquefort, Brie: Can I bring French cheeses into the US? (2024)

FAQs

Camembert, Roquefort, Brie: Can I bring French cheeses into the US? ›

A label with the maker's address, or the receipt for the cheese, are useful as proof of provenance, if requested. So, even though it is prohibited to make Brie or Camembert in the US (because they use raw, or unpasteurised milk), it is legal to bring them into the country.

The FDA bans French cheeses like Roquefort because E. coli bacteria is present, even though it is harmless version.

But you haven't lived until you've tried this special variety of the famous French cheese. Brie de Meaux (which hails from the town of Meaux) is different from normal brie because it's made from unpasteurized cow's milk. Unfortunately, that's also what makes it illegal in the United States.

Cheese lovers no doubt know that France produces some of the world's best and most varied cheeses. But one distinctive variety that's among the country's most popular is actually barred by law from the United States. It's called Epoisses, and it traces its roots as far back as the early 16th century.

Solid cheese is fine as long as it doesn't contain meat (such as bacon cheddar cheese). Soft cheeses such as Brie and mozzarella are allowed, but liquid cheeses, including cottage and ricotta, aren't allowed if they came from countries with foot-and-mouth disease.

So, even though it is prohibited to make Brie or Camembert in the US (because they use raw, or unpasteurised milk), it is legal to bring them into the country. The same applies to goat's cheese – provided it does not come from a country with Foot and Mouth disease.

Because Camembert has become such a popular cheese—and because traditional raw milk Camembert can't be imported into the United States—many American cheesemakers produce their own versions, which are often superior to the pasteurized versions imported into the American market.

Only hard, semi-soft, and pasteurized cheeses are allowed over US borders to live the American dream of being eaten on a Wheat Thin. Raclette, emmental, comté, brie, camembert are among those welcome, along with many other milk-based products like yogurt and butter.

You should absolutely eat brie's signature bloomy rind. It's customary to enjoy the whole wheel, rind and all. Though eating the rind on top and bottom is very standard, some may feel the need to cut off the perimeter bits. This isn't necessary and wastes beautiful cheese.

Hard cheese and semi-soft cheese are totally legal.

Those are the only two types of cheese you likely want to bring.

Do I have to declare cheese USA? ›

Hard cured cheese such as parmesan or cheddar are generally admissible, soft cheeses such as brie and soft curd cheese and cheese in water(ricotta, feta, etc.) are not. Fish, if it is for your personal use, is generally admissible.

Cheese. Are you bringing creamy or solid cheese along with you? It'll make a difference when it comes to the TSA screening process. While solid cheese is allowed, you cannot carry creamy cheeses more than 3.4 ounces.

Generally speaking, cheeses that are soft, unpasteurized, are younger than 60 days old, and/or have been singled out are not permitted into the United States. This would include cheeses such as: Soft and soft-ripened cheeses from France not on the Green List.

Therefore, Roquefort remains illegal in the U.S. because it contains high bacterium levels that the FDA cannot tolerate. 3 Roquefort received PDO or protected destination of origin certification in 1925 and was protected by French royalty before its certification.

Creamy cheese

Creamy cheeses are considered liquids, so make sure that you've got 3.4 ounces or less if you're bringing on something like brie or goat cheese. Or, make your plane snacks a little less bougie and bring string cheese instead.

Prohibited or restricted items may include meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil and products made from animal or plant materials. For generally allowed food items please visit USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Cheese and cheese products – Pasteurized hard cheeses in vacuum sealed containers, labeled with country of origin are allowed. Cheese must not contain any meat product. Seafood for personal use – Unlimited quantities.

Guarantees. Roquefort was the first cheese designation of origin in 1925. It is the only blue cheese made from raw sheep's milk with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

Hard cured cheese such as parmesan or cheddar are generally admissible, soft cheeses such as brie and soft curd cheese and cheese in water(ricotta, feta, etc.) are not. Fish, if it is for your personal use, is generally admissible.

Cheese made with unpasteurized (raw) milk can't be sold in the USA unless it has been aged for at least 60 days. This is regulated by​ The Food and Drug Administration. After 60 days, the acids and salts in raw-milk cheese and the aging process are believed to naturally prevent listeria, salmonella, E.