Transfer of regulatory authority for food supplements to the Ministry of Health is on the agenda

A fundamental change is planned for the production, content, and licensing processes of food supplements in Turkey. With the new regulation being worked on by the AK Party, it is envisioned that the authority to regulate food supplements will be transferred from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to the Ministry of Health.

Scope and objectives of the regulation

The legislative proposal currently in the preparation stage aims to bring the production standards and content inspections of food supplements under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health. In this context, the substances that products may contain and the criteria for granting production permits will be redefined.

The regulation aims to more strictly verify the accuracy of ingredients declared on labels and to increase product safety. It is planned to restructure the processes currently managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with a health-oriented approach.

Sectoral expectations and the need for regulation

Nurten Saydan, Pharmacist and President of the All Pharmacists Employers' Union (TEİS), draws attention to the risks of uncontrolled sales and allegations of fraud in the field of food supplements. Saydan emphasizes that regulatory mechanisms must be strengthened to protect public health.

The final text of the proposal, which has not yet entered the legislative process, will become clear after it is submitted to Parliament. With the entry into force of the regulation, a new legal framework is expected to be established regarding the marketing and regulation of food supplements.