New regulation for food labels from the Ministry of Agriculture! A ban on those terms

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has updated the "Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Labeling and Consumer Information Guide" regarding the rules that food businesses must follow. The new guide introduces changes to certain terms and expressions used on food labels, with specific regulations regarding the advertising and presentation of vegetarian/vegan products.

"VILLAGE," "HOME," AND "FARM" TERMS WILL NOT BE USED

Expressions such as "village," "home," "farm," and "traditional" will no longer be used on food labels. Such terms have been banned as they may create a false perception for the consumer. For example, the term "homemade" can only be used as "in the style of homemade." Except for olive oil, vegetable oils cannot use expressions or visuals that evoke olive oil.

"100 PERCENT" EXPRESSION WILL ONLY BE USED FOR SINGLE INGREDIENTS

Expressions such as "100 percent" will not be used for fermented dairy products. According to Ekol TV's report, the expression may be used for foods consisting of a single ingredient, such as "100 percent coffee." Expressions like "suitable for out-of-home consumption" will also not be used in mass catering establishments.

IMPORTANT CHANGE FOR VEGETARIAN PRODUCTS

In labels and promotions for vegan and vegetarian foods, expressions that create the perception of a substitute for animal products have been banned. Visuals belonging to animal products such as cheese or meat will not be used on such products. For vegetarian products, labels will not include terms like "red meat," "fish meat," or other animal food expressions.

In mass catering establishments, foods intended for vegetarian and vegan consumers will be presented to the consumer with expressions such as "suitable for vegetarians/vegans" clearly stated on menus.

WHAT IS THE TRANSITION PERIOD?

Food business operators must comply with these new regulations by December 31, 2026. After this date, products that do not comply with the guide will not be allowed on the market.

These regulations aim to ensure that consumers are correctly informed and to prevent them from being misled, while contributing to the creation of a more transparent and reliable labeling system in the food sector.

News Source: 12punto