Detection of Pork in the Food Chain: Statement from the Ministry of Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry stated regarding the detection of pork in the cooked meatballs of a restaurant chain and the long delay in revealing the company's name to the public, "Any irregularities that arise during our routine and instant inspections conducted with more than 8,000 food inspectors in our New Food Public Announcement System are published after the completion of the technical process."

THE COMPANY'S NAME WAS REVEALED MONTHS LATER

The detection of pork in the cooked meatballs of a restaurant chain caused public outrage. It was noted that pork was found in samples taken from two different branches of the famous restaurant chain during inspections conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and following the revelation of the company's name to the public months later, the Ministry made a statement regarding the issue.

WAITING FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE TECHNICAL PROCESS

In the statement, it was said, "Ensuring food safety and protecting public health is a fundamental duty assigned to our Ministry by the Constitution and our laws. In this context, our Ministry is obliged to protect the rights and interests of both our consumers and our producers. Any irregularities that arise during our routine and instant inspections conducted with more than 8,000 food inspectors in our New Food Public Announcement System are published after the completion of the technical process. In the event of detecting irregularities, sanctions such as withdrawal, administrative fines, and suspension of production are applied, and if the irregularity poses a threat to human life and health, a criminal complaint is filed against the relevant parties. These administrative actions are subject to judicial review as per Article 125 of our Constitution. Judicial decisions are binding on all elements of the administration. Our Ministry will continue to carry out its duties and powers in protecting public health with determination in accordance with these principles," it was stated.