Interesting statement from the owner of Köfteci Yusuf: 'I am a strange bird'

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry included Köfteci Yusuf in its list of imitation and adulterated foods, and the owner, Yusuf Akkaş, made important statements to Saygı Öztürk from Sözcü.

While allegations that pork was used in the products of Köfteci Yusuf, one of Turkey's famous restaurant chains, have found wide coverage on the agenda, Akkaş categorically rejected these claims and blamed the ministry.

Regarding the incident, Akkaş said, "I don't know what has been brought upon me. I have reported the incident to the judiciary. I have no political power; I am someone who is focused on my work and my livelihood. We have 280 workplaces across the country, and 12 thousand people work for me. We work with over 700 food engineers and veterinarians; it is not even technically possible for us to do such a thing."

'I AM A STRANGE BIRD'

Stating that he would not allow a stain to be cast on his employees, Akkaş used the expressions, "I am a strange bird; I will not let a black mark be cast upon the faces of 12 thousand people. I will do my best to ensure this incident is clarified as soon as possible. The wicked may be smarter than the good, but the good always win in the end."

REMARKABLE INDICTMENT

Saygı Öztürk, referring to an indictment that came to the agenda a few years ago, reminded that Akkaş's name was mentioned in a dispute regarding the purchase of a meat processing facility.

The indictment pointed out that individuals connected to organized crime structures implied that they would harm Akkaş if an agreement was not reached. It was stated that Akkaş had made a lower offer for the purchase of the factory, but that an agreement could not be reached, and that threats such as "we will spread the word that you use pork" were made.

HE CLAIMED IT WAS A SETUP

In the statement made by Köfteci Yusuf, it was said, "We are working with all our might to uncover this dark setup. The leaking of confidential documents belonging to the ministry to the press harms our customers and our colleagues. We believe that this matter will be clarified at the end of the legal processes."

MINISTRY INCLUDED IT IN THE LIST

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry recently added Köfteci Yusuf to its list of imitation and adulterated foods, announcing that pork was detected during inspections conducted at two branches in Bursa's Yenişehir district.

Following the inspections at the branches in question, the ministry included the business in the "Foods That Endanger Health" section.