Food crisis in Turkey grows: 13 more products sent back to Turkey from Europe!

Agricultural products exported from Turkey to Europe have been rejected once again due to pesticide and harmful substance levels exceeding permitted limits. In the last week, it was reported that 13 different food products originating from Turkey were found to contain chemical residues at levels that could threaten human health during inspections at European Union (EU) border crossings.

With a new regulation published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on January 7, 2025, it was announced that the transition to EU standards for pesticide limits would begin. However, it was stated that it would take three months for the regulation to become fully compliant, and that foods produced according to old standards could remain on the market throughout their shelf life. While this transition period continues, the frequent return of products sent to Europe has drawn attention.

TURKISH PEARS RETURNED FROM CROATIA

Analyses conducted on Turkish pears sent to Croatia revealed that the methoxyfenozide ratio was well above the permitted limits. The methoxyfenozide level, which should be 0.01 mg/kg – ppm, was measured at 0.043 mg/kg – ppm in the Turkish pears. The products were returned because the value was 4.3 times the limit.

DOUBLE REJECTION FROM ITALY

In pistachios exported from Turkey to Italy, the aflatoxin B1 ratio exceeded the limits. The pistachios, where the level was measured at 13.4 ± 0.9 µg/kg – ppb instead of the permitted 8.0 µg/kg – ppb, were sent back with a "dangerous" code for exceeding the safety limit by 1.6 times. A similar situation occurred with organic pistachios; it was determined that the aflatoxin ratio was 1.7 times the limit, and the total aflatoxin amount had increased by 2.39 times.

REJECTION FROM TWO COUNTRIES FOR FRESH PEPPERS

Permethrin residue was found in fresh peppers that Bulgaria imported from Turkey. The permitted 0.05 mg/kg – ppm limit was measured at 0.145+/-0.073 mg/kg – ppm in the analysis. Since this ratio was approximately twice as high, the products were turned away on the grounds of "potential risk."

On the same day, Germany signed off on a similar decision. It was determined that the acetamiprid ratio in fresh peppers from Turkey was at the 0.42 mg/kg – ppm level, while it should have been 0.30 mg/kg – ppm.

CUMIN REJECTION FROM THE CZECH REPUBLIC

In analyses conducted by the Czech Republic on cumin seeds originating from Turkey, it was determined that pyrrolizidine alkaloids were 1.5 times above the permitted limit. The products were withdrawn from the market on the grounds that they pose a risk to human health.

3 TIMES THE AFLATOXIN IN APRICOTS

Germany detected both aflatoxin and ochratoxin A in apricot pieces sent from Turkey. While the total aflatoxin amount was measured at three times the permitted limit, the ochratoxin A ratio was found to be 3.5 times above the maximum limit. The products were collected from the market with a "dangerous" code.

DRIED FIG SCANDAL

In tests conducted on sliced dried figs sent to the Netherlands, the ochratoxin A ratio was measured at exactly 7.6 times the permitted 8 µg/kg – ppb limit. While these products were returned with a "dangerous" code, it was reported that in another batch of dried figs sent to the same country, the aflatoxin B1 ratio was 5.5 times higher and the ochratoxin A ratio was 2.8 times higher.

Germany, on the other hand, found aflatoxin B1 at 2.7 to 6.4 times above the limit in two separate dried fig shipments sent from Turkey. The products were sent back from the border as they similarly exceeded safety limits in terms of total aflatoxin ratios.

BANNED ADDITIVE IN CLOTTED CREAM

The unauthorized additive E202 was detected in clotted cream (kaymak) of Turkish origin sent to Belgium. Due to this non-permitted additive, the products were withdrawn from the market.

Hazelnut and sesame seeds were found in poppy seed paste that the Netherlands received from Turkey. The products were returned with a "dangerous" code on the grounds that these allergens were not declared. Germany similarly rejected products due to the presence of sesame and peanut allergens.

According to experts, pesticide residues pose serious dangers to human health. Long-term exposure to these chemical substances is associated with diseases such as infertility, nervous system disorders, hormonal imbalances, and cancer. Agricultural workers and those living in areas where pesticides are applied are cited among the groups at risk.