Is cheese made in America pasteurized?

Here's why:

* Pasteurization: This process heats milk to a specific temperature for a set time to kill harmful bacteria. It makes cheese safer to consume, but some people argue it can affect the flavor and texture.

* Raw milk cheese: There is a category of cheese made from unpasteurized milk, often called "raw milk cheese." This type of cheese is considered a specialty product and is subject to stricter regulations. It can be found in many states but may require specific labeling and aging requirements.

To know for sure if a cheese is pasteurized, you should:

* Check the label: Look for words like "pasteurized" or "made with pasteurized milk."

* Ask the cheesemonger: If you're buying cheese from a store, ask the staff about its pasteurization status.

Important Note: Raw milk cheese can carry a higher risk of foodborne illness. It's essential to be aware of this and purchase from reputable sources.