Sugar Content and Labeling Rules for Drinking Milk Changed

September 16, 2026 · 24saatgazetesi.com

A new regulation published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has set strict limits on sugar and flavoring content in drinking milk, while also regulating the use of the 'natural' claim on packaging.

The Communiqué Amending the Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Drinking Milks, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, has been officially published in the Official Gazette (Issue No. 33372) and has come into effect. With the new regulation, which aims to directly protect consumer health and ensure transparent information, the production standards for drinking milk have been completely updated. According to the new rules, the total flavoring content, such as honey, cocoa, chocolate, vegetables, and fruits used in flavored drinking milks like fruit and cocoa flavored ones, must be at least 1% by mass.

With the regulation published by the Ministry, the amount of added sugar that can be added to drinking milk has been limited to a maximum of 5% by mass. It has been stipulated that the total sugar content, including the milk's own natural sugar, will strictly not exceed 9.5% by mass. While only sugar types defined in the Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Sugars are permitted for use in products, it has been made mandatory to clearly state the percentage of added sugar by weight in the primary field of view on packaging, and to exclusively use natural flavorings.

To prevent consumer deception, very strict criteria have been introduced for the use of the 'natural' claim on labels. Within the framework of the new legislation, the term 'natural' can only be used for full-fat and reduced-fat drinking milks that contain no additives, flavorings, or aromas. This term will not be allowed in any form on the packaging of lactose-free or reduced-lactose milk. Furthermore, the fat content for full-fat, reduced-fat, low-fat, and skimmed milk categories will be clearly declared on the packaging.

Milk producers and food businesses currently operating have been given a deadline of March 31, 2027, to comply with the new criteria set forth in the communiqué. By this date, all producers are expected to fully meet the packaging and content standards, while the marketing of milk with fat content outside the specified legal ranges is completely prohibited. It has also been announced that products produced and placed on shelves before the specified transition date can be sold until the end of their shelf life.

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