23.08.2026 17:11
A new era is beginning in Turkey for smoke flavorings used in many products that are frequently consumed daily, such as chips, salami, and sauces. Restrictions on these aromatic substances, which are a subject of debate from a health perspective, will be implemented gradually according to the established calendar.
A new era is beginning in Turkey for smoke flavourings used in many foods, especially chips, salami, sauces, cheese, and processed fish products. Restrictions on certain flavourings used to impart smoky and smoked taste to foods will be implemented gradually.
NEW REGULATION ON SMOKE FLAVOURINGS
According to the news from Gıda Bülteni, safety concerns regarding some smoke flavourings have come to the fore following the evaluations of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In the examinations conducted, it was assessed that the risks related to the possibility of these substances damaging genetic material could not be completely eliminated.
Following these evaluations, a decision was made to end the use of smoke flavourings. In Turkey, a gradual transition schedule with different dates depending on product groups will also be implemented.
BAN ON SOME PRODUCTS WILL START IN 2026
The ban schedule will not take effect on the same date for products within the scope of the regulation. Imports and market placement for chips, sauces, and other related food categories will end on October 1, 2026.
The deadline for sales between businesses for these products has been set as December 1, 2026. The production, import, and market placement of products using smoke flavourings will not be permitted as of January 1, 2027.
A longer transition period will be applied for meat and meat products, cheese, processed fish, and other aquatic products. The process for these categories is expected to continue until 2028.
OLD PRODUCTS MAY REMAIN ON SHELVES
The start of the ban does not mean that consumers will never see these products on market shelves. Products placed on the market before the specified dates can remain on sale for their shelf life under the current regulation.
Therefore, after the new period begins, it will still be possible for some products containing smoke flavourings to be found in markets for a while.
LOOK AT THE CONTENT, NOT THE "SMOKED" LABEL
It is important for consumers to check the ingredients list rather than just looking at the claims on the front of the product while shopping.
Traditional smoking methods and adding smoke flavourings to a product are not the same application. Therefore, expressions such as "smoky", "smoked", or "barbecue" alone do not indicate whether the product falls within the scope of the regulation.
If the phrase "smoke flavouring" is present in the ingredients section of the packaging, it indicates that the product may be evaluated within the scope of this regulation.