The National Food Safety Authority in Cyprus aims to enhance food safety controls, adopting a “single health” approach to manage food safety risks and uphold international standards, ensuring public health and transparency. Led by Health Minister Michael Damianos, the authority will integrate human, animal, and environmental health to safeguard the public, setting a new standard for quality assurance in food production and distribution.
Cyprus, a small island in the Mediterranean, leads the European Union in volunteer blood donations, meeting its demand for blood entirely through selfless citizen donations. This remarkable achievement not only showcases a strong spirit of community and care but also sets a commendable example of solidarity and regular blood donation culture in public health.
In Nicosia, three individuals were urgently admitted to the hospital due to heatrelated ailments, emphasizing the dangers of soaring temperatures. The elderly patients, aged 73, 89, and 85, underscore the necessity for caution and preventive measures, highlighting the importance of staying hydrated, seeking shade, and avoiding strenuous activities during peak heat hours.
Authorities seized a large quantity of dutyfree tobacco at the border, leading to the arrest of three individuals in Larnaca. The lack of health warnings on the packaging flagged the illegal products, highlighting the risks of tax evasion, health hazards, and customs violations associated with smuggling tobacco.
Cyprus is facing an intense heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius, prompting an orange weather alert. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable neighbors during this period of extreme heat.
The Government of Cyprus is establishing a dedicated food safety authority to enhance food safety and meet WHO directives, unifying oversight over food safety, animal and plant health. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with EU standards and proactive risk management to safeguard public health and quality of food products in Cyprus.
The National Addiction Authority has proposed the creation of a ‘One Stop’ support centre to assist those facing addiction and homelessness, offering shelter and a variety of support services to improve community wellbeing. This initiative aims to embrace harm reduction strategies and health initiatives while providing comprehensive care for individuals impacted by substance use challenges.
The Audit Office has criticized the inaction towards illegal livestock farms, highlighting their environmental impact and public health risks. Specifically, farms operating without permits in protected areas like the Chanoutaris Cliffs in Paphos pose threats to ecological balance and product safety, calling for immediate regulatory enforcement to address these issues and protect public wellbeing.
The rise of amphetamines in Cypriot wastewater signifies a troubling increase in illicit drug use on the island, posing public health and law enforcement challenges. Methamphetamine levels, a newcomer to the scene in Cyprus, highlight shifting drug consumption patterns and potential health risks associated with stimulant abuse.
Alarm has been raised by the Cyprus Pulmonology Society due to a surge in atmospheric dust levels originating from the Sahara Desert. Individuals with respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma are urged to take precautionary measures, including staying indoors, monitoring air quality indices, and using air purifiers with HEPA filters.
