Health authorities increase food safety inspections during summer

Cyprus health authorities have announced an intensification of food safety inspections, with half of all annual checks now scheduled during the summer months. According to Herodotus Herodotou, Director of Health Services, this strategic scheduling is designed to address the elevated risks of food spoilage caused by high temperatures and increased tourist traffic during the peak season.

Establishments are categorized based on risk levels using a formal scoring system. This assessment considers historical inspection results, past food sampling outcomes, and data received through the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). High-risk facilities undergo more frequent inspections compared to lower-risk premises, ensuring that resources are focused where potential public health threats are greatest.

This operational model serves as a standard procedure to maintain public health standards throughout the year, with specific seasonal adjustments to account for environmental factors. The intensified summer program aims to safeguard consumers by providing consistent oversight across all food-handling businesses.