Defence ministry calls army meal temperature finding an isolated case

Nicosia, Cyprus. The defence ministry has described an Audit Office finding that ready-made meals for National Guard soldiers were below required food safety temperatures as an “isolated case”. It said discrepancies in meal orders were being examined and soldiers’ views would inform an ongoing review of the feeding system.

Food safety findings

The Audit Office report, published on Wednesday, examined whether soldiers received adequate, safe food and whether public funds were used efficiently. More than €9.5 million was spent on National Guard feeding in 2025. The findings drew on inspections and a questionnaire completed by 1,106 soldiers.

During an unannounced inspection in January, delivery records showed hot food had been received at 65°C. The Audit Office said temperatures it recorded were within the 5°C to 58°C “danger zone”, where microorganisms can multiply rapidly.

Responding to the Cyprus Mail, defence ministry spokesman Sofianos Filippedes said meeting the required temperatures was both a contractual and health obligation. “The specific finding is assessed as an isolated case and does not constitute the norm,” he said.

Filippedes said the finding was being assessed through established food safety control procedures. The ministry and the competent authorities continued to monitor compliance, with particular emphasis on the Food Safety Management System and HACCP principles.

Meal orders and review

The report also questioned the quantities of food ordered and the resulting waste. Filippedes said discrepancies in orders were being examined by the competent authorities.

He said soldiers’ views on food quality and special dietary requirements would be taken into account in the ongoing review of the feeding system.