Food flavorings regulation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry: 10 items banned
With the renewed food codex regulation within the scope of European Union harmonization studies, restrictions were introduced on certain flavoring substances and labeling rules were clarified.
The new Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Flavorings and Food Ingredients with Flavoring Properties, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, has been published in the Official Gazette and entered into force.
Scope of the regulation and new provisions
The new Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Flavorings and Food Ingredients with Flavoring Properties, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, was published in the Official Gazette. Prepared within the scope of harmonization with European Union legislation, the regulation repealed the previous regulation dated 2011.
Banned flavoring substances and schedule
According to the new regulation, as of December 31, 2026, the placing on the market, use in food production, and import of 10 flavoring substances coded FL 04.029, FL 05.100, FL 05.175, FL 05.222, FL 15.029, FL 15.030, FL 15.060, FL 15.119, FL 15.130, and FL 15.131 will be banned.
Ban on substances derived from pork and insects
According to the regulation, only flavorings and food ingredients with flavoring properties that do not pose a risk to consumer health based on scientific evidence and whose use does not mislead the consumer may be used in foods. In addition, the use of flavorings and food ingredients with flavoring properties derived from pork and insects, as well as the source materials used in their production, has been banned in foods.
The term "natural" and compliance process
The regulation also introduced the condition that at least 95 percent by weight of the components must be obtained from the specified source for the use of the term "natural" in flavorings. While food businesses are granted until December 31, 2026, for compliance, it was stated that products produced or placed on the market before this date can remain on sale until the end of their shelf life.