17th STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED COMMITMENT AND PROGRESS
The 17th Steering Committee Meeting of the EU Food Safety Project (EU FSP) took place on 7 October 2025 in Nicosia, bringing together key stakeholders to review progress and agree on upcoming priorities for strengthening food safety, animal health, and Halloumi/Hellim Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) scheme implementation in the Turkish Cypriot community.
Discussions focused on progress achieved during the past quarter, including the expansion of the process of pilot categorisation of dairy and meat farms regarding their compliance with animal health and food safety standards to more than 100 farms, the continued PDO raw milk monitoring, and the relocation to the new laboratory premises. Stakeholders also reviewed the finalisation of the agri-food chain control plan and renewed coordination efforts on agriculture, veterinary, and health issues.
The meeting further underlined the importance of maintaining Halloumi/Hellim producer motivation for PDO certification and ensuring sustained engagement across sectors. Simulation exercises on animal disease preparedness were highlighted as an effective tool for building practical response capacity in the event of disease outbreaks.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, efficient resource use, and tangible progress as the project enters its final implementation phase.
Stay tuned for more updates as the EU FSP continues its mission to enhance food safety, animal health, and preparedness in the TCc!