First Turkish Cypriot ‘Χαλλουμι’ (Halloumi)/‘Hellim’ cheese awarded PDO certificate

The first Turkish Cypriot ‘Χαλλουμι’ (Halloumi)/‘Hellim’ cheese producer was awarded the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certificate under the EU quality scheme.

European Commission Representation in Cyprus has issued a press statement today.

It is said that following the registration of the name ‘Χαλλουμι’ (Halloumi)/‘Hellim’ as PDO, only Halloumi/Hellim produced on the island of Cyprus in accordance with the requirements of the related product specification can be marketed in the European Union as ‘Χαλλουμι’ (Halloumi)/‘Hellim’. This provides for the possibility for producers on both sides of the Green Line to apply for PDO certification of their products.

The statement continues as follows:
“The first control in the Turkish Cypriot community took place in February this year by Bureau Veritas, an internationally accredited body delegated to perform the related official controls throughout the island. The first producer from the Turkish Cypriot community was assessed to be compliant with the requirements set out in the ‘Χαλλουμι’ (Halloumi)/‘Hellim’ PDO product specification.

The PDO control and certification system by Bureau Veritas is in place since the application of the Commission Regulation registering ‘Χαλλουμι’ (Halloumi)/‘Hellim’ as PDO.

Meanwhile, the measures concerning EU animal and public health requirements required to be fulfilled for the Turkish Cypriot community to fully benefit from the EU quality scheme by trading the PDO products across the Green Line still remain to be implemented.”

NAVA “‘Χαλλουμι’ (Halloumi)/‘Hellim’ PDO-process is a mini-reunification laboratory”

Mario Nava, Director General for Structural Reform Support in the European Commission, stated: “‘Χαλλουμι’ (Halloumi)/‘Hellim’ is a shared heritage of both communities of the island of Cyprus. Today’s important step demonstrates that concrete benefits of a full EU membership are available to the Turkish Cypriot community, and encourages the Turkish Cypriots to proceed towards achieving compliance with EU standards. In this context, the ‘Χαλλουμι’ (Halloumi)/‘Hellim’ PDO-process is a mini-reunification laboratory. We remain committed to work with both Cypriot communities, contributing to rebuilding of trust between them and paving the way to the reunification of the island.”