EU: Protected Designation of Origin status to be granted soon for traditional Cypriot cheese Halloumi

According to a European Commission representative, the Republic of Cyprus has filed an application for the second time to request grant of PDO status concerning the name «halloumi».

The procedure is expected to be completed within 6-7 months and the chances of success, according to local authorities, are high. Possible objections from other European countries that are producing milk-based products themselves are expected to not affect the procedure.

It is worthwhile noting that the ingredients used to manufacture «halloumi» (i.e. milk, pytia, mint) need to originate from Cyprus, meeting EU requirements regarding product safety, and the product names to be listed are: «Χαλούμι», «Halloumi», «Hellim». Halloumi’s ingredients, distinct folding and traditional character aim to authorize PDO status.

Practically, the anticipated approval means that the production and packaging of such products will only be allowed under the said PDO name within the geographical limits of the island of Cyprus. The Commission has also adopted a proposal to modify the Green Line Regulation.
The decision was announced by the European Commission in Brussels, a day after Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had a joint meeting with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot side Mustafa Akinci in Nicosia.