Newsroom
As Cypriots prepare for their Easter feasts, the Ministry of Agriculture is stepping up efforts to ensure that what ends up on the table is safe, fresh, and exactly what it claims to be. In the days leading up to the holiday, inspections are being intensified across the food supply chain—from farm to supermarket shelf.
With demand for traditional staples like lamb, flaounes, halloumi, and fresh eggs on the rise, authorities are casting a wide net. Checks are underway at wholesale markets, butcher shops, dairies, slaughterhouses, and retail stores. Even fresh fruit and vegetable stands are under the microscope.
“We’re focusing on both quality and transparency,” the ministry said in a statement, highlighting that the goal is to protect public health while also supporting local producers.
Imported produce from outside the EU is getting special attention, undergoing full inspections at entry points. EU-sourced goods are checked on a sampling basis, while inspectors are keeping a close eye on product labeling—especially country of origin. Any item found lacking proper labels or not meeting quality standards is pulled from shelves until issues are fixed.
From April 12 to 18, the veterinary services are running parallel checks specifically targeting animal-based products. These include not only meat but also Easter-favorite dairy items like flaounes, yogurt, anari, and halloumi.
Consumers are also being reminded to plan their shopping wisely. “Buy early to avoid unnecessary waste,” the ministry advises.
