End to date confusion in food products: New regulation on shelves

A new practice has been implemented across Turkey to provide clearer and more transparent information to consumers regarding food sold in markets. Within the scope of the decision, the distinctions between the "Expiration Date" (STT) and the "Recommended Consumption Date" (TETT) on product labels have been defined more precisely.

For foods that are microbiologically perishable, such as meat, milk, and cheese, the sale of these products is strictly prohibited once the "Expiration Date" has passed. If such products are found on shelves, businesses will face administrative fines, and the products in question will be immediately recalled.

SPECIAL AISLE PRACTICE

For foods with a long shelf life, such as pasta, flour, sugar, rice, tea, and coffee, the "Recommended Consumption Date" generally relates to the product's freshness, taste, and aroma, and does not pose a direct health risk after the date has passed. However, to prevent food waste, it has been permitted to sell such products in special aisles in markets, provided they are stored under appropriate conditions.

According to the new regulation, products with an expired TETT must be offered for sale as follows:

• These types of products will be displayed in a separate section in stores and will not be mixed with other fresh products.
• Consumers will be provided with clear and explicit information regarding the dates of the products in the aisle.
• The responsibility for checking whether the food with an expired TETT offered for sale is suitable for human health will belong to the business.

NEW ERA IN INSPECTIONS

Inspection instructions have been issued to all provincial directorates to ensure the implementation of the decisions. Field teams will check whether products with expired TETT are kept in special aisles and will request laboratory sample analyses when necessary.

Markets and businesses that violate the rules may face severe sanctions, including both monetary fines and, if necessary, the recall of products. These inspections, which will be carried out simultaneously across Turkey, aim to both protect consumer health and prevent food waste.