22.10.2026 18:23
In food inspections conducted at 1,873 businesses in Gaziosmanpaşa, Istanbul, 15 tons of spoiled meat and meat products were seized. The businesses' defense of "We will make soap" regarding the meats that emitted a strong odor, were stored under unsuitable conditions, and had begun to thaw drew attention. However, the presence of a meat grinder in the place stated to be used for soap production increased suspicions. During the inspections, penalties were imposed on 153 businesses, while 16 workplaces were sealed.
Extensive food inspections carried out in Gaziosmanpaşa uncovered serious violations threatening public health. While teams seized tons of meat kept under unsanitary conditions, the statements made by the businesses drew attention.
1,873 WORKPLACES INSPECTED IN 16 NEIGHBORHOODS
The Workplace Hygiene Inspection Team of the Gaziosmanpaşa Municipality Police Department and the District Agriculture Directorate teams conducted a comprehensive inspection across the district. Inspecting a total of 1,873 workplaces in 16 neighborhoods, the teams checked especially cold storage warehouses where meat and meat products are stored and processing areas. Many practices contrary to hygiene rules were identified during the inspections. Legal proceedings were initiated against businesses that endangered public health.
15 TONS OF SPOILED MEAT SEIZED
During inspections in cold storage warehouses, it was determined that some meat products emitted a strong odor and frozen products had begun to thaw. It was determined that some of the meat was in direct contact with the floor and storage temperatures did not meet the required conditions. A total of 15 tons of meat and meat products found unfit for consumption were seized for destruction. The teams also assessed the possibility of these products re-entering the food chain and expanded their inspections.
THEY SAID "WE WILL MAKE SOAP," A MEAT GRINDER WAS FOUND
The most striking detail of the inspections was the defense made by the businesses regarding the seized meat. Some businesses claimed that the meat stripped from bones would be used in soap production, and some would be given to animals. During the inspection, an official was heard saying, "Even animals wouldn't eat this." However, the teams did not miss that there was a meat grinder at the workplace stated to be used for soap production. Upon this, the inspections were deepened. Authorities assessed the possibility that the meat separated from bones could be turned into minced meat and offered for human consumption again. Following the suspicions, all products kept under unsuitable conditions were seized.
FINES FOR 153 WORKPLACES, 16 WORKPLACES SEALED
The balance sheet that emerged after the inspections also drew attention. While penal action was taken against 153 workplaces, 16 workplaces were sealed. The penal actions were carried out by the relevant units of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. An investigation was launched against the businesses determined to be operating in violation of the regulations.
SPOILED MEAT PREVENTED FROM REACHING THE MARKET
While the statements of the businesses regarding the purpose for which the meat seized during the inspections would be used were being examined, it was determined that the products were not suitable for human consumption. In particular, the situation at the workplace with the meat grinder strengthened the suspicion that spoiled meat could be processed and offered for sale again. Authorities initiated proceedings for the destruction of the unsanitary products identified. Thus, 15 tons of spoiled meat and meat products were prevented from entering the food chain.