‘Döner’ objection to the European Union: Crisis between Turkey and Germany grows
As the objection period for the registration application submitted by Turkey for döner, one of the most popular foods in Germany, expires, if the registration is approved, döner production in Germany will undergo significant changes. A series of changes could occur, from the meat and spices used to the very name of the dish. Germany, however, has filed an objection to the registration.
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An application made by a producer association from Turkey to the European Union to obtain "Traditional Speciality Guaranteed" (TSG) status for döner has drawn a reaction in Germany. The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture stated that they received the initiative with "surprise," noting in their statement that if the application is accepted, it would have major economic consequences.
DÖNER STANDARDS
The application submitted to the EU, for which the three-month objection period has expired, specifies the standards for which products can be called "döner." According to these, döner would not include veal or young cattle (up to 3 years old) meat, nor turkey meat. In contrast, younger animals are preferred for slaughter in Germany. Furthermore, turkey meat, which Turkey objects to, can also be used in the production of döner. These are also included in the regulations governing döner production in Germany. If the EU approves Turkey's TSG registration, döner production in Germany will be regulated accordingly. Döner producers in Germany would have to use the new recipe requested by Turkey. However, it is estimated that the requirement to use older animals alone would increase döner prices when considering extra maintenance costs. If the conditions are not met, the product cannot be sold under the name döner, and a name change would be required, forcing producers to use terms like "rotating skewer" or another description instead of döner.
GERMANY'S "MARKET INTERFERENCE" OBJECTION
The German Ministry of Agriculture stated that accepting the application from Turkey would amount to interference in the German market. The statement pointed out that beyond being very popular in Germany, döner is a primary source of income for many people.
CONCILIATION TALKS
While Berlin has filed an objection to the registration request, these objections are currently being evaluated in accordance with EU procedures. If the objections are accepted, Brussels will invite parties from Germany and Turkey to conciliation talks. The delegations are expected to be given six months to reach a compromise.