Due to high prices in the domestic market, red meat imported from Italy at a lower cost has found its place on the shelves.

The import of beef from abroad has also affected prices. In a market located in Beylikdüzü, Istanbul, the price of diced beef is seen to be 369 lira per kilogram, while in local butcher shops in the same area, the price of local diced beef is recorded at 700 lira.

IMPORT OF RED MEAT FROM ITALY

It drew attention that the kilogram price of Italian-origin beef sold in a market with a branch in Beylikdüzü, Istanbul, is 369 lira. It was observed that the price of local diced meat in nearby areas where the market sells meat at a reasonable price is 700 lira per kilogram. While the price differences cause confusion, it has been learned that consumers are turning to cheaper meat. The prices of imported meats are also expected to reflect on the prices in butcher shops.

"PRICES ARE CRASHING"

Mücahit Osman, a local butcher, stated, "Now the meat in the markets comes from abroad. These meats are brought by the Meat and Milk Institution. They distribute it to markets that have branches. This way, these products are sold. We buy animals from regions like Thrace, Balıkesir, and Çanakkale and present them to the public here. The imported meats kept prices stable for a while. There is demand for meat, and it is being sold. Prices are being lowered accordingly here," he said.

"WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'RE EATING"

A citizen shopping at the market said, "I didn't look at the prices. Ultimately, since we have no idea what we're eating, the import of meat doesn't make much difference compared to local. Generally, we look at the price. Those who can afford it buy the quality, but you can't even know what the meat you buy from the butcher is," he said.