New Standards for Flavorings in Food Come into Effect

September 15, 2026 · Haber7

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry updated the regulation on flavorings used in food, removing 10 risky flavors from the list and completely banning the use of pork and insect-derived ingredients.

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 previous regulation dated December 29, 2011, has been completely renewed in line with current developments in European Union legislation and needs on the ground. Fragmented regulations published on different dates have been consolidated into a single text, ensuring legislative unity. Thus, the standards for producers operating in the food sector and for supervisory mechanisms have been brought to a much clearer structure.

With the new regulation, international scientific safety assessments have been directly reflected in national legislation. According to the statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 10 flavorings removed from the list by the European Union due to safety concerns have also been removed from national lists. In contrast, 1 flavoring whose scientific safety assessment yielded positive results has been added to the list of permitted substances. The aim is to ensure that no chemical component with unproven reliability is present in the food chain, and elements posing risks have been rapidly isolated from the system.

With the updated regulation, the authorization procedures for flavorings within the scope of genetically modified organisms have been clarified. It has been made possible for flavoring components not subject to evaluation and approval to be subjected to scientific risk analysis if suspicion arises. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has strengthened its authority to take rapid protective measures against any situation that could threaten human health in light of new scientific data. This regulation has ensured the legal infrastructure for supervisory mechanisms is complete.

The new rules that have come into effect in Turkey include national provisions different from European Union norms, taking consumer sensitivities into account. With the decision taken, the use of pork and insect-derived flavorings and the source materials used in their production in food products has been strictly prohibited. While ensuring consumers can access food that aligns with their beliefs and sensitivities, the traceability of source materials used in the food industry has been made mandatory. The origin of all imported and domestic components has been subjected to strict control.

Within the scope of the regulation, all methods that mislead consumers in food labeling and presentation have been directly prohibited. In retail food businesses, especially patisseries, the practice of giving a fruity impression by spraying flavorings on non-fruit products has been completely prevented. Furthermore, to prevent misuse in the production of illicit alcohol, the marketing of flavorings under any alcoholic beverage name or category name has been banned. With these steps, the Ministry aims to protect consumer interests and public health at the highest level.

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