Lesvos cheese transport ban lifted for visitors
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On 18 August 2026, the Veterinary Directorate-General of Greece’s Ministry of Rural Development and Food lifted a transport ban on local dairy products for private individuals leaving Lesvos. The restriction had been in place for months due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak among the island’s livestock herds. Following pressure from regional governor Kostas Moutzouris and the Lesvos Cheese Producers' Association, officials permitted the transport of aged cheeses—including feta, ladotyri, kasseri, graviera, and kefalotyri—provided they have matured for at least two months.
Consequences
The removal of these restrictions allows producers and local dairies to recover a significant portion of their retail sales during the peak summer tourism season. This policy shift facilitates a return to economic normalcy for the island's livestock farming sector as visitors resume purchasing and transporting local goods.
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