Döner crisis between Germany and Turkey: Name may change
Turkey's application to the European Union for the registration of döner has drawn reactions from döner producers in Germany. 11 objections were filed due to differences in how döner is prepared in Germany, such as the use of vegetables.
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The debate over döner continues to remain on the agenda in Germany.
Turkey had applied in April for the registration of döner under the European Union.
The application file included a detailed recipe, such as the age of the slaughtered animal, the types of spices used, and the length of the döner knife.
However, döner is prepared differently in Germany than in this recipe submitted to the EU.
ANIMALS ARE SLAUGHTERED EARLIER IN GERMANY
For example, animals are sent to slaughter earlier in Germany than in Turkey. Experts say that even just raising an animal for a longer period would significantly increase costs on its own.
Vegetables, which are widely used in Germany, will also no longer be able to be included in döner because they are not in Turkey's recipe.
For this reason, döner producers in Germany are reacting to Turkey's move.
11 OBJECTIONS TO TURKEY'S REGISTRATION APPLICATION
If Turkey's request is accepted, a name change will be required for döner to be sold in its current form in Germany.
11 objections were filed against Turkey's registration application. Among those objecting is the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
The European Commission will decide by September 24 whether these objections are valid. If the objections are found to be valid, Turkey and Germany will have 6 months to reach a compromise.
The final word will be spoken by the European Commission.
German Minister of Food and Agriculture Cem Özdemir stated, "Everyone should be able to prepare and eat kebab as they wish. There is no need for directives from Ankara on this matter," while the German Hotel and Restaurant Association also pointed out in a written statement that the diversity in kebab should be protected.
The announcement of the application made by Turkey to the European Union was published in the Official Journal of the EU in April. Döner was to be registered after the 3-month objection period expired and would have been the first traditional product name from Turkey to be registered in the EU.
However, because an objection was filed, döner has not yet been registered.