© Associated Press
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Cypriot halloumi cheese has been included in the European Commission’s register of products of protected origin and protected geographical indications, the Cyprus Mail reported.
From 1 October, only halloumite produced in Cyprus and subject to product requirements may use this name. This also applies to cheese produced in the north of Cyprus, as long as it meets EU production criteria.
Agriculture Minister Costas Cadiz said talks were under way between his ministry and the Cyprus Association of Cheese Producers, which took legal action in June against the EC in an attempt to prevent the inclusion of halloumi in the register of protected products.
They are pushing for a change in the specifications, their main objection being against the type of milk used. According to the requirements, halloumi must be produced from 51 percent sheep’s or goat’s milk.
The producers claim that this is detrimental to their interests by reducing productivity and changing the taste of the cheese currently produced from 80 per cent cow’s and 20 per cent sheep’s or goat’s milk.
/ Mina Ivanova /
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