The European Commission has approved a package of two measures on an important Cypriot heritage: Halloumi. First, the Halloumi registered as a protected designation of origin (PDO), thus protecting this valuable name from counterfeiting and counterfeiting throughout the EU. Only Halloumi produced in Cyprus according to the product specifications is now allowed to bear the registered name, with obvious economic benefits for the island.
The registration allows the producers of this emblematic Cypriot cheese, known worldwide for its characteristic texture and appearance (folded), which can be eaten roasted or fried, from any part of the island of Cyprus, to benefit from the PDO regime. .
Secondly, in order to facilitate producers in the Turkish Cypriot community so that they can take full advantage of the protection, the Commission has adopted a measure allowing the PDO product to cross the Green Line, provided that the cheese and milk from which it is made meet all EU animal health and public health standards.
This historically significant package implements the common concept for Halloumi / Hellim, achieved in 2015, and will be implemented temporarily and pending the reunification of Cyprus.
The EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety speaks of “a historic decision for Cyprus. The European Commission has just adopted a decision, after the unanimous approval of all EU member states for the protection of the unique Cypriot product Halloumi / Hellim.
Halloumi / Hellim as a product of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) as well as the revision of the regulation of the green line, will significantly benefit the two communities of Cyprus until the reunification of the island “
The purpose of the measure accompanying the registration of the name Halloumi / Hellim as a PDO is to ensure compliance with European standards for animal and public health, as well as for food safety. It also sets out the terms of trade, including the provisions on controls. In addition, milk processing plants must comply with applicable public health rules.
The key elements of this package are the following:
The name “Halloumi / Hellim” is entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications. Only Halloumi / Hellim produced on the island of Cyprus and according to the traditional recipe can now be marketed in the European Union under this name.
The conduct of PDO inspections throughout Cyprus will be entrusted to an internationally accredited inspection body. The inspection body will be responsible for the observance of the traditional recipe by the producers.
An operating system will be set up to ensure effective PDO audits throughout Cyprus, which will be closely monitored by the Commission.
A measure lifting the bans on the movement of certain products of animal origin on the island of Cyprus, pending its reunification, and laying down the conditions governing the movement of such products in order to enable the production of cheese called ” Halloumi ”(“ Hellim ”(PDO) throughout Cyprus.
A private audit body will be appointed to conduct inspections of farms and dairy facilities in the Turkish Cypriot community to ensure that all EU health and hygiene rules are complied with. Only Halloumi / Hellim that meets all EU health standards can be traded on either side of the Green Line.
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