Cypriot authorities increase meat inspections and prioritize local supply ahead of Easter

Cypriot authorities are conducting intensive inspections at wholesale and retail meat outlets to address illegal animal movements and ensure compliance with safety regulations ahead of the Easter holiday. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou stated that there are no projected shortages of livestock, as the number of animals scheduled for slaughter is comparable to the previous year's figures. The government is focusing on assisting farmers in recovering from the effects of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which has impacted 59 units. Due to identified difficulties in importing livestock from abroad, the government has decided to prioritize domestic sourcing to satisfy market demand. Supplementary imports will be permitted if necessary based on real-time market requirements. The Ministry remains vigilant against illegal trade to protect both the local agricultural sector and consumers. These measures are part of a broader government strategy to stabilize the market and maintain food security during the festive period.