New era for butter: Minimum milk fat content determined
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has prepared and submitted for review the "Turkish Food Codex Communiqué Draft on Butter and Clarified Butter" to protect consumers and prevent imitation and adulteration in products. Accordingly, a criterion is being introduced requiring unsalted butter to have a milk fat content of at least 82 percent by weight.
AA
According to the compilation made by the AA correspondent from the communiqué draft, the regulation aims to determine the necessary characteristics for the production, preservation, packaging, storage, transportation, and marketing of butter and clarified butter in a hygienic manner and in accordance with their technical specifications.
MILK FAT CONTENT DETERMINED
In this context, a criterion is being introduced requiring unsalted butter to have a milk fat content of at least 82 percent by weight.
It has been added to the communiqué that flavorings cannot be used in butter that does not contain flavoring agents. Milk and dairy product flavorings, such as buffalo milk aroma and yogurt aroma, will also be prohibited in products covered by the regulation.
NEW RULES FOR PACKAGING AND LABELS
Labeling, packaging, and marking requirements for products are also being reorganized with the draft communiqué.
Accordingly, the name of the food will be required to appear in the primary field of vision on the product label.
The amount of milk fat contained in the products must be stated next to the food name in the primary field of vision, in a font size at least as large as the food name itself.
The flavoring agent used in flavored butter will also be used in conjunction with the name of the food.
Products must be kept at a maximum temperature of 6 degrees Celsius during transport, storage, and when offered to the final consumer.
TRANSITION PERIOD DETERMINED
Administrative sanctions will be applied to those who act in violation of the communiqué within the scope of the relevant articles of the Veterinary Services, Plant Health, Food and Feed Law.
Food business operators will be required to comply with the provisions of the communiqué by December 31, 2024. Foods labeled or placed on the market before this date may remain on the market until the end of their shelf life.
The regulation aims to protect consumers and prevent imitation and adulteration in products.