Pistachio storm in Turkey: Aflatoxin concerns and the strategy of coffee chains

As Dubai chocolate has become popular, pistachio consumption in Turkey has also increased rapidly. However, the abundance of pistachios and the drop in prices have brought to mind allegations of 'aflatoxin'. In particular, the fact that some coffee chains are offering pistachio-flavored products and giving away pistachios alongside their products has unsettled consumers. Many people on social media have shared photos of these products, issuing 'aflatoxin' warnings. At the same time, what aflatoxin is and its potential harms have become among the most curious topics.

'I RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT CONSUME PISTACHIOS FOR A WHILE'

Speaking recently on Radio Sputnik, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaan Yılancıoğlu, Head of the Department of Biosafety at Üsküdar University's Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, pointed out that the sudden increase in pistachios on the market could carry risks that threaten public health.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılancıoğlu warned, "I recommend that you do not consume pistachios for a while so that your health is not endangered. To protect yourself from the possible effects of toxic substances such as aflatoxin, avoid products whose quality and reliability you are not sure of."

ARE THEY BEING SOLD IN THE DOMESTIC MARKET?

Recalling that news recently surfaced regarding some pistachios exported to Europe being returned due to the detection of aflatoxin, the Head of the Department of Biosafety at Üsküdar University's Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences continued his remarks as follows:

“I have concerns about whether the pistachios that have started to be sold at cheap prices in the domestic market are these returned products. Unfortunately, in such cases, we fear that 'products that cannot be sold in foreign markets and are returned might be offered to consumers in the domestic market.' This situation could pose a serious risk to public health; it is essential that consumers are informed about what happens to products that cannot be sold abroad for reasons such as aflatoxin. Food safety is a very important issue. To protect yourself from the possible harms of toxic substances like aflatoxin, stay away from products whose quality and reliability you are not sure of.”

WHY HAVE COFFEE CHAINS TURNED TO PISTACHIOS?

The 'Gıda Dedektifi' (Food Detective) social media account, known for exposing substances in ready-made food products that could harm human health, drew attention to this issue, warning: "They have started sending shelled pistachios alongside wafers to influencer accounts on Instagram for free advertising. Are the aflatoxin analyses of these pistachios, which are now used in abundance in every product and distributed for free on every corner, being conducted? Are consumers being accurately informed about whether these pistachios are of US origin or if they are truly Antep pistachios?" However, coffee chains are avoiding answering questions about "Why have they increased their use of pistachios so much?"

News Source: 12punto