Products from Turkey rejected at customs: Lemons, dried figs, grape leaves, and more... Here is the major danger in food!

The European Union's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has issued an alert after detecting dangerous substances in food products exported from Turkey.

In the first three days of the new year, 4 products originating from Turkey were sent back on the grounds that they did not meet EU standards.

The returned products include dried figs, grape leaves, lemons, and hulled sesame seeds.

DANGER IN DRIED FIGS

Aflatoxin was found in dried figs exported from Turkey to France on January 2. In a statement issued by RASFF, it was noted that this product containing aflatoxin poses a “potentially serious” risk.

WHAT IS AFLATOXIN?

Aflatoxins are substances with toxic and carcinogenic properties. Among these, the most dangerous is Aflatoxin B1, which has the potential to alter genetic structure and cause cancer.

PESTICIDE RESIDUE IN GRAPE LEAVES

Dithiocarbamates (pesticide residues) were detected in grape leaves sent from Turkey to Denmark on January 3.

Danish authorities determined the pesticide level in the test results to be 0.13 mg/kg of dry matter. Although this value did not approach the maximum permitted limit of 0.5 mg/kg, the products were seized with a “serious” warning.

WHAT IS A PESTICIDE?

Pesticides are chemical substances used in agriculture to protect plants from pests. However, the excessive use of these substances can threaten food safety and human health.

SALMONELLA ALERT IN SESAME SEEDS

Salmonella was detected in hulled sesame seeds exported from Turkey to Denmark. For this reason, the product was returned with a “serious risk” warning.

WHAT IS SALMONELLA?

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that affects the intestines. It is usually transmitted to humans through contaminated food or water. Its most common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.

PESTICIDES FOUND IN LEMONS

Pesticide residues were detected in lemons sent to Poland. EU officials stated that these products pose a “potential risk” and turned them back at customs.

REACTION FROM CHP

Drawing attention to the negligence regarding food safety, CHP Ankara Deputy Murat Emir criticized the government in a statement on his social media account. In his post, Emir stated the following:

“Aflatoxin, pesticide, salmonella... We are learning that four products have been returned from customs in just the first three days of the new year. The public's health is officially being toyed with! Food safety is zero, inspections are just for show. While people are being poisoned, what are the authorities doing? Who will be held accountable for this negligence that disregards public health?”

The frequent return of products exported from Turkey has brought the debate over the inadequacy of food safety inspections back to the agenda.