Intensive inspections carried out by the Health Ministry revealed significant non-compliance with the production standards of “Χαλλούμι/Halloumi/Hellim“, the island’s flagship cheese registered as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product in the European Union.
The inspections, part of the annual food safety program, included Halloumi products sampled from various producers. Laboratory tests conducted in November 2024 on Halloumi from a well-known brand, bearing the PDO label, showed that the sheep and goat milk content was only 5%, far below the 19% required by a government-issued decree and the official 50%+ threshold mandated by EU regulations.
PDO Standards and Challenges
Under the EU regulation approved in April 2021, only Halloumi produced in Cyprus according to specific criteria, including a requirement that sheep and goat milk surpasses cow milk content, can carry the PDO designation. However, limited production of sheep and goat milk on the island has made compliance challenging, prompting Cyprus to secure a transitional period extending until 2029.
Until then, lower sheep and goat milk percentages are allowed, regulated by decrees issued by the Ministry of Commerce. From 2029 onwards, producers will need to fully adhere to the EU requirement.
Findings and Enforcement
The Health Ministry’s findings highlight ongoing violations, exacerbated by what critics describe as government leniency under pressure from powerful industry stakeholders, particularly dairy producers and cow farmers. Despite warnings and legal threats, companies found in breach have continued to market products falling short of even the reduced interim standards.
Authorities have issued strict instructions to withdraw non-compliant products from the market. However, resolving the issue requires stricter enforcement, improved cooperation among stakeholders, and resistance to external pressures.
Industry Pushback
Critics argue that influential dairy industry players, including cow farmers and large cheese producers, have consistently resisted the PDO milk composition requirements.
