New era in supermarkets: Those products will now be sold on separate shelves

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has issued a new statement regarding the differences between the expiration date (STT) and the recommended consumption date (TETT). The Ministry pointed out that for perishable products in particular, the STT is the determining factor for food safety.

SALES BAN ON PRODUCTS PAST THEIR EXPIRATION DATE

In the Ministry's statement, it was noted that the sale of products such as milk, cheese, meat, and similar perishable items is strictly prohibited if their expiration date has passed. It was reported that if products past their STT are detected on the market, administrative fines will be imposed and the products will be confiscated.

SPECIAL PRACTICE FOR PRODUCTS PAST THEIR RECOMMENDED CONSUMPTION DATE

It was noted that the recommended consumption date used for products with a long shelf life, such as pasta, tea, flour, sugar, bulgur, rice, and coffee, indicates the period during which the product maintains its quality characteristics under appropriate storage conditions.

According to Türkiye Gazetesi, the sale of products past their TETT will be permitted under certain conditions. Accordingly, whether the products are suitable for consumption will be checked by the business, the consumer will be clearly informed, and the products will be separated from other foods and offered for sale in special sections.

INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS TO 81 PROVINCES

It was stated that in the instructions sent by the Ministry to the 81 provincial directorates, it was requested that inspections verify whether products past their TETT are being sold in separate sections. It was stated that sanctions will be imposed on businesses found to be in violation of the regulations.