Cyprus food safety system faces pressure from imports, climate and emerging risks
Cyprus maintains an integrated food safety control system, but imports, high temperatures and emerging hazards remain key challenges.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus operates an integrated system of official food safety controls coordinated by the Cyprus Food Safety Council, but reliance on imports, high temperatures and emerging risks continue to pose challenges.
Food safety controls
The president of the Cyprus Food Safety Council (FSC) and acting permanent secretary of the health ministry, Elisavet Constantinou, said food safety in Cyprus is ensured through an integrated system of official controls with clearly defined responsibilities for competent authorities.
The FSC coordinates multiannual food control plans, the implementation of food crisis plans and the handling of food safety issues.
It also carries out risk assessments and provides advice on risk management. Authorities involved include the public health services, the health ministry, the agriculture ministry and veterinary services.
Role of the private sector
While authorities conduct monitoring and official controls, the primary responsibility for food safety lies with the private sector.
Challenges
Constantinou identified globalisation of trade, increased movement of food products and live animals, emerging food safety hazards, climate change, antimicrobial resistance, food fraud and misleading labelling among the main challenges.
She said food safety cannot be attributed to a single challenge. Cyprus faces additional pressures because of its high dependence on imports and high temperatures, which require the strict maintenance of an unbroken food chain.
The outbreak of foot and mouth disease has led to the mass killing of animals, while water scarcity has burdened residents and the agricultural sector. Prolonged heatwaves have added further pressure.
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