The AK Party is working on a new legislative proposal that aims to clarify standards for smoking venues and public spaces, and to authorize the Ministry of Health to oversee the production and content of food supplements.
The "health package," currently in the draft stage, is planned to be submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) as a 20-25 article legislative proposal once the work is completed. The package is also expected to include certain regulations regarding family medicine and the organization of the Ministry of Health.
NEW CRITERIA FOR SMOKING AREAS
One of the most notable aspects of the regulation will be new standards for smoking in the outdoor areas of businesses such as cafes and restaurants. Because sections created using heaters and retractable awnings, especially in winter months, effectively turn into closed spaces, the definition of these areas will be redefined.
According to the draft study, it is on the agenda for businesses to designate a separate area where smoking is permitted or a completely open area, depending on the size of the venue. Providing food and beverage service in these sections is being evaluated as one of the options. There are also plans to set aside separate spaces for customers who do not smoke in outdoor areas.
In public spaces, it is envisioned that smoking will not be permitted within a certain distance of hospital gardens, emergency room entrances, places of worship, schools, and sports facilities used by children. It is stated that consultations are ongoing regarding how many meters this distance will be.
Measures to more strictly monitor the practice of showing identification for cigarette sales are also among the topics in the package. Regarding claims reflected in the public sphere about a "ban on cigarette sales to those born after a certain date," officials stated that "introducing criteria such as a year or date of birth is not on the table."
It was noted that the current practice regarding electronic cigarettes will not change and that the sales ban in Turkey will continue.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH OVERSIGHT FOR FOOD SUPPLEMENTS
Another important topic of the package will be the oversight of food supplements. It is planned to authorize the Ministry of Health regarding the production and content of food supplements, which are currently under the oversight of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry because they are accepted as food products.
In this context, the authority regarding which substances and in what proportions they can be found in the content of supplements will be given to the Ministry of Health. The accuracy of the contents declared on labels will also be audited by the ministry during the production phase and after they are placed on the market. It is also envisioned that production permits will be obtained from the Ministry of Health.
Among the justifications for the regulation is that substances in some supplement products can cause health problems, particularly in organs such as the kidneys and liver.
The legislative calendar for the proposal will be shaped according to the intensity of the Parliament's agenda. It is stated that due to different legislative proposals in the General Assembly and budget negotiations that will last until the end of the year, the discussions on the health package may remain for the new year.
On the other hand, it is stated that a separate legal regulation preparation regarding sugar ratios in beverages and especially the use of starch-based sugar is also on the agenda due to the increase in health problems linked to obesity.
News Source: 12punto
