New Health Package Preparation: Smoking Limits and Food Supplement Audits
A new health package planned to be submitted to Parliament includes limits on smoking in public areas, audits of food supplements, and family medicine regulations.
A new health package draft law comprising 20-25 articles, currently being prepared by the AKP, envisions setting clear standards for smoking in public areas and transferring the authority for the production and audit of food supplements to the Ministry of Health.
Era of the Ministry of Health in Food Supplements
The production and ingredient audits of dietary supplements, which are currently under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, will be transferred to the Ministry of Health.
Production permits for these products, which can cause health problems in organs such as the kidneys and liver, will be obtained from the Ministry of Health, and their label declarations will be audited.
New Standards for Smoking in Outdoor Spaces
New standards and regulations will be established for areas that cafes and restaurants enclose with heaters and awnings during the winter months.
Depending on the size of the establishment, businesses will be required to set aside separate sections or open areas where food and beverage service is not provided.
Distance Restrictions in Public Areas
Distance restrictions on smoking will be introduced around hospital gardens, the entrances of emergency departments, places of worship, schools, and sports facilities.
Consultations and preparatory work regarding what the exact distance restriction in meters will be are still ongoing.
Stricter Audits and Bans
The requirement to show identification during cigarette sales will be monitored more strictly, and measures against rule violations will be increased.
It was emphasized that the ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes in Turkey will continue and that there is no question of granting any permits in this regard.
Parliamentary Agenda and Schedule
It is stated that the proposal might be left to the new year due to the current heavy agenda of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) General Assembly and the budget negotiations starting in October.
Within the scope of the package, regulations regarding sugar ratios in beverages and starch-based sugars are also planned to be introduced to combat obesity.