Filenews 24 February 2026 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The Veterinary Services are sending a message of reassurance about halloumi, despite the alarm sounded by the detection so far of 11 cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the area of Livadia, Oroklini, Aradippou and Troulloi.
Despite initial concerns, key international markets seem to be giving the green light for halloumi exports to continue, recognizing the specificity of its production process.
According to information from the Veterinary Services, after direct and intensive consultations between the director of the Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, and his counterparts in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, the landscape around the commercial future of the product was clarified. According to official information, none of the aforementioned countries will impose trade restrictions on the export of Cypriot halloumi.
This decision is based on solid scientific data. In particular, according to the Veterinary Services, "the intrinsic characteristics of halloumi and, above all, the high temperatures that develop during its production process, make it practically sterile from the virus". Therefore, the product is considered completely safe for distribution in international markets, despite the health crisis affecting livestock units.
It is noted that the countries have removed Cyprus from the list of countries that are free of foot-and-mouth disease, but excluding halloumi from the ban on its import, as well as any of our animal products that are heat treated at 70 ° C for 30 minutes.
What applies from today in the United Kingdom
Despite the positive development for halloumi, the United Kingdom has put in place strict preventive measures concerning other product categories as of today. According to the relevant instruction (OVS Note) of 23 February 2026:
Prohibition of live animals: The import of all animals susceptible to the virus (cattle, pigs, sheep and goats) is suspended.
Restrictions on meat: The import of fresh meat and meat products that have not undergone special heat treatment is prohibited.
Animal feed: Hay and straw imports from Cyprus are stopped.
