The European Commission adopted, on Monday 12 April, a package of two measures regarding an important Cypriot heritage: the Χαλλούμι/Halloumi/Hellim cheese.
First, the Commission registered Χαλλούμι/Halloumi/Hellim as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), which protects this valuable name from imitation and misuse across the EU. Only Χαλλούμι/Halloumi/Hellim produced in Cyprus according to the product specification is now allowed to use the registered name, bringing clear economic benefits to the island. The registration allows producers of this iconic Cypriot cheese to benefit from the PDO status for their products.
Secondly, to facilitate that producers in the Turkish Cypriot community draw full benefits from the protection, the Commission has adopted a measure allowing the PDO product to cross the Green Line, provided that the cheese and milk from which it was made has met all EU animal and public health standards.
This historic package gives effect to the Common Understanding for Χαλλούμι/Halloumi/Hellim reached in 2015, to be implemented pending the reunification of Cyprus.
The measure accompanying the registration of Χαλλούμι/Halloumi/Hellim as a PDO aims at ensuring that the animal and public health situation in the EU as well as food safety are not compromised. It also sets out the conditions for trade, including provisions on controls. In addition, the milk processing establishments will have to be in compliance with the relevant public health rules.
The main features of the package are as follows:
- the name ‘Χαλλούμι (Halloumi)/Hellim’ is now in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications. Only Χαλλούμι/Halloumi/Hellim produced on the island of Cyprus and according to the traditional recipe can now be marketed in the European Union under this name;
- an internationally accredited inspection body will be appointed to conduct PDO inspections throughout Cyprus. The inspection body will be responsible for ensuring that producers respect the traditional recipe;
- a workable arrangement will be set up to ensure efficient PDO controls throughout Cyprus, which will be closely monitored by the Commission;
- a measure lifting the prohibitions of movements of certain animal products on the island of Cyprus, pending its reunification, and laying down certain conditions for the movement of those products to allow the production of “Χαλλούμι (Halloumi)/Hellim” (PDO) across all of Cyprus;
- a private inspection body will be appointed to conduct inspections of farms and dairies in the Turkish Cypriot community to ensure that they comply with all EU health and hygiene rules. Only Χαλλούμι/Halloumi/Hellim that meets all EU health standards can be traded across the Green Line.
Two texts. The Commission has thus adopted an Implementing Regulation which registers Χαλλούμι/Halloumi/Hellim as a PDO. From 1 October 2021, only Χαλλούμι/Halloumi/Hellim made by cheesemakers on the island of Cyprus and which conforms to the requirements of the traditional recipe registered in the Regulation can be sold legally in the European Union.
The Commission also adopted an amendment to Commission Decision 330/2007 concerning trade across the Green Line. This decision lifts the prohibition on trade in Χαλλούμι/Halloumi/Hellim produced in the Turkish Cypriot community across the Green Line, provided that the cheese meets all health and sanitary standards set out in the Decision. A system will be established to inspect farms and dairies in the Turkish Cypriot community to verify whether they comply with these standards and to issue certificates to compliant producers. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)