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Dozens of consumers across Cyprus have filed complaints after discovering that fresh milk from Charalambides-Christis was turning sour several days before the stated expiration date, sparking concern among households and prompting an investigation.
The Cyprus Consumers Association said it has received a flood of reports over the past two weeks from all districts, describing milk that spoiled roughly four days earlier than the date printed on the packaging. The issue appears to affect all types of fresh milk, regardless of size or fat content.
Association president Marios Drousiotis told 24news that the organization has “dozens of complaints” and has urged authorities to inform the public and conduct immediate inspections. “An announcement should have already been made, since the problem has been known for days,” Drousiotis said, noting there is still no sign the issue has been resolved.
The company has not yet issued an official statement, but according to 24news sources, Charalambides-Christis is preparing to respond within the next 48 hours. The firm is said to be carrying out an internal investigation to identify why its fresh milk has been spoiling early.
Sources cited by Kathimerini suggest the issue may be linked to a break in the cooling chain, meaning the milk could have been exposed to higher temperatures during transport or storage. Even when kept in refrigerators at home, consumers reported the milk souring well before the expiry date.
Meanwhile, the Director of Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, told RIK that the situation is being closely monitored and that milk safety checks are carried out both by the company and by state agencies before the product reaches consumers.
Pipis added that from a microbiological standpoint, there is no indication of a safety risk or the presence of pharmaceutical residues. “The milk’s quality and safety are verified before it’s released to the market,” he said, confirming that both Veterinary Services and the company itself have been investigating since last week.
For now, consumers are being urged to check expiry dates carefully and report any spoiled milk to the Consumers Association or the authorities until the cause is pinpointed and addressed.
Charalambides-Christis, one of Cyprus’s oldest and most recognized dairy brands, has long been considered a staple in Cypriot households. Any issue involving its products naturally raises concern among consumers who associate the name with reliability and quality. The company’s forthcoming explanation, and how it handles the fallout, will likely determine how quickly public confidence can be restored.
