Newsroom
Cyprus authorities are stressing that food safety systems are working and improving, following recent concerns sparked by a mass food poisoning incident at a wedding in Limassol that left dozens of guests unwell.
Officials say thousands of laboratory tests carried out each year are helping identify risks early, remove unsafe products from the market, and protect public health before problems escalate.
The message comes as the Health Ministry marked World Food Safety Day, presenting new figures showing that the vast majority of food and water samples tested in Cyprus meet safety standards.
In 2025, a total of 6,680 samples were examined, with 187 found to be non-compliant, a rate of 2.7%. That is down from 3.7% the previous year, suggesting an improvement in overall compliance.
For consumers, that means that out of every 100 food or water samples tested, fewer than three fail to meet required standards.
Health Minister Michael Damianos said laboratory testing plays a key role in protecting the public, allowing authorities to quickly detect risks, take corrective action, and prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers.
At the same time, enforcement remains active. Health Services imposed €47,195 in fines on 91 businesses during 2025 for breaches of food safety rules.
Officials say the penalties are meant not only to punish violations but also to push businesses to maintain higher hygiene standards.
The government is now preparing legislation to create a National Food Safety Authority, which would centralize oversight of inspections, laboratories, and enforcement under one body.
The aim, officials say, is to improve coordination between services and create a more consistent national approach to food safety.
Beyond local checks, inspectors also monitor imported food at key entry points.
At the port of Limassol, more than 8,000 shipments were checked last year, with 11 found to be non-compliant. At Larnaca Airport, one problematic shipment was identified out of 568 inspected consignments.
Health authorities also issued 24 alerts through the EU rapid warning system after detecting unsafe food linked to other member states.
Public complaints remain part of the system, with 250 hygiene-related reports investigated in 2025.
While officials point to improving figures, the recent food poisoning incident has served as a reminder that even a small number of failures can have real consequences, especially when it comes to something as basic as what ends up on the dinner table.
