A new era in food flavorings: Pork and insect-derived flavorings banned

The Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Flavorings and Food Ingredients with Flavoring Properties, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, has been published in the Official Gazette and entered into force. The regulation, prepared in line with European Union legislation, repeals the previous 2011 regulation.

According to the new regulation, only flavorings and food ingredients with flavoring properties that are accepted as safe for consumer health based on scientific evidence and that do not mislead the consumer may be used in food. Flavorings or foods containing these substances that are contrary to the regulation cannot be placed on the market.

The regulation bans the use of pork and insect-derived flavorings, food ingredients with flavoring properties, and source materials used in their production in food products.

Furthermore, the placing on the market, use in food production, and importation of 10 flavoring substances coded FL 04.029, FL 05.100, FL 05.175, FL 05.222, FL 15.029, FL 15.030, FL 15.060, FL 15.119, FL 15.130, and FL 15.131 will be prohibited as of December 31, 2026. The use of two flavoring substances, coded FL 05.062 and FL 05.099, will be restricted to specific food categories.

The regulation also sets new rules for the use of the term "natural" in flavorings. Accordingly, for a product to be described as "natural," at least 95 percent by weight of its components must be obtained from the specified source.

Food business operators have been granted until December 31, 2026, to comply with the new provisions. Products produced or placed on the market before this date may remain on sale until the end of their shelf life.

News Source: 12punto