Ban on Pork and Insect-Derived Flavorings in Food

September 14, 2026 · Dünya Gazetesi

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has amended the food codex, banning pork and insect-derived flavorings and setting a 95% source requirement for 'natural' claims on labels.

A New Era for Flavorings

The regulation prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, titled 'Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Flavorings and Food Ingredients with Flavoring Properties,' has been published in the Official Gazette and entered into force. With this step by the Ministry, the old regulation from 2011 has been repealed. According to the new legislation, the use of pork and insect-derived flavorings in food products has been completely banned. This prohibition covers not only flavoring substances but also ingredients with flavoring properties and all animal and insect-derived materials used in their production. Products that do not comply with the specified rules will not be allowed on the market.

Phased Ban on Ten Substances

Within the scope of the new regulation announced in the Official Gazette, a phased ban schedule has been determined for 10 specific flavoring substances. The supply to the market, import, and use in food production of 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 stopped as of December 31, 2026. Additionally, two substances coded FL 05.062 and FL 05.099 will only be permitted for use in limited food categories. The transition period granted for sector stakeholders to comply will end on December 31, 2026.

95% Rule for 'Natural' Claims

The regulation also redefines the audit criteria for claims made on food labels. For the term 'natural' to appear on product labels, it is now mandatory that at least 95% of the ingredients used, by weight, must be derived from the main source indicated on the label. Food businesses have been given until December 31, 2026, to adapt to the new rules, while products manufactured and placed on the market before this date will not be recalled from shelves. The sale of existing products in stores will be legally permitted for their remaining shelf life.

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