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Halloumi Production Manageable if Foot-and-Mouth Disease is Contained, Says Cheesemakers' Representative

Published March 18, 2026, 10:20
Halloumi Production Manageable if Foot-and-Mouth Disease is Contained, Says Cheesemakers' Representative

The representative of the Cheesemakers' Association, Michalis Koullouros, stated that the situation for halloumi production is manageable if the spread of foot-and-mouth disease is contained. He emphasized that there is no reason for concern regarding the consumption of dairy products, as halloumi undergoes a second boiling process that sterilizes it. The concern focuses on the number of animal deaths, as the loss of a large number of animals will affect milk production, 80% of which is used for halloumi production. Mr. Koullouros stated that it is premature to determine a specific number of deaths that would signal danger, as milk production varies by animal. Also, the current period is unfavorable due to increased milk production. There has been no discussion about reviewing the timetable for the PDO quota, with the transitional period valid until July 2029.