Ministry Implements New Rules for Food Flavorings

September 14, 2026 · GıdaTarım

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has banned the use of 10 flavoring substances as of the end of 2026 with a new regulation that raises food safety standards, while introducing a 95% source requirement for the 'natural' claim on labels.

New Regulation on Flavorings

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. Within the scope of the new regulation, the marketing, use in food production, and import of 10 flavoring substances will be completely halted from December 31, 2026. Food businesses have been granted a transition period until December 31, 2026, to comply with these new rules.

Ban on Pork and Insect Sources

With the published regulation, the use of pork and insect-derived flavorings, ingredients with flavoring properties, and the source materials used in their production in foods has been strictly prohibited. It was announced that components that do not pose a risk to consumer health and are not deceptive will be approved for use. While the marketing of non-compliant products will be prevented, their presentation under the name or category of alcoholic beverages has also been completely banned.

Ministry Approval and List Requirement

The marketing of flavoring substances, heat-treated flavorings, and flavor precursors used in the food industry is subject to the official approval of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Source materials and components not included in Annex-1, the positive list prepared by the Ministry, will absolutely not be used in food manufacturing. Furthermore, components within the scope of the Genetically Modified Organisms legislation will need to obtain prior approval in accordance with the relevant rules to be included in this list.

95% Naturalness Rule for Labeling

With the new legislation, the labeling principles on food packaging have also been completely reorganized. According to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, for the term 'natural' to be used on the label of a flavoring, it has been made mandatory for the flavoring components to be obtained from the specified source at a rate of at least 95% by weight. In cases where all parts constituting the product are derived solely from natural substances, the phrase 'natural flavoring substance' may be included on the labels.

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