14.03.2026 13:10
In the scandal that came to light with the discovery of horse meat in the stew distributed to those in need at the municipal soup kitchen in Mersin, new details have emerged regarding the process of the racehorse's meat from the racetrack to the table. It was learned that the owner donated the horse to an equestrian club, which then sold the horse for 50,000 TL to the owner of a supermarket chain.
A scandal emerged in Mersin when horse meat was found in the stew distributed to those in need at a municipal soup kitchen, revealing the process of how a racehorse made its way from the racetrack to the plate.
The owner of the racehorse named "Smart Latch," Suat Topçu, stated that after the horse's racing career ended due to cracks in its leg, they took it to a farm for breeding purposes, but learned during a veterinary check that it could not be bred due to issues with its uterus. Topçu mentioned that they donated the horse to a farm in Osmaniye where people ride horses for hobby purposes, saying, "While trying to do good, we became a cause of evil."
THEY SOLD THE HORSE FOR 50 THOUSAND LIRA TO A SUPERMARKET CHAIN According to a report by Yeni Şafak, the horse was later used in various events. It was learned that the animal was rented to a farm for a few months for 50 thousand TL for use in TV productions, weddings, and equestrian activities.
After the horse returned, it was reported that Suat Topçu donated the animal to an equestrian club. However, the process did not end there. About a month ago, when people inquired about the horse, they were told that it had died, while it was revealed that the equestrian club that received the horse sold it for 50 thousand TL to the owner of a supermarket chain.
Following the discovery of horse meat in the stew distributed at the municipal soup kitchen, an investigation was launched to examine how the racehorse's journey from the racetrack to the soup kitchen occurred.
THE OWNER WAS FINED 132 THOUSAND TL Suat Topçu stated, "I was also fined. We were supposed to notify that we donated the horse. A fine of 132 thousand TL was imposed. We gave our statements, and those who received the horse also gave their statements. The investigation initiated by the ministry is still ongoing. This is a great evil, a lack of conscience. The fine is not important; I think the investigation should go to the end, the perpetrator should be punished, and the authorities should find a permanent solution regarding the fate of horses whose racing careers have ended."
STATEMENT FROM MERSIN METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY A written statement from the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality regarding the issue stated, "It has become necessary to make a statement regarding the news that has appeared in some media outlets about the meat purchases made for our soup kitchen. The meat supplies for our soup kitchen are procured through an open tender method as chopped meat, and the company that won our tender is a firm that currently supplies meat to many public institutions and private sectors. The meat deliveries to our municipality are carried out in accordance with official inspection processes and applicable legislation. Meat purchases are made based on the Slaughter Report prepared under the supervision and approval of the veterinarian responsible for the slaughterhouse of the Agricultural District Directorate and under camera surveillance. After the allegations were brought to our attention on February 4, 2026, the process was re-examined; in addition to the existing documents, analysis results from the Mersin Food Control Laboratory Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry have been requested for each purchase. The procurement process is conducted in accordance with official laboratory analyses. Our municipality prioritizes public health above all else and continues all its operations within the framework of relevant legislation and official inspections," it was stated.
IS HORSE MEAT HARMFUL TO HUMAN HEALTH? Horse meat is not considered directly harmful to human health when raised under appropriate conditions, slaughtered in accordance with hygiene rules, and well-cooked. Containing high levels of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, horse meat shares similar nutritional characteristics with other types of red meat. However, experts indicate that caution should be exercised regarding the consumption of meat from horses used for sports or racing purposes. Residues of certain veterinary drugs used for treatment or performance may be present in such horses, and substances like phenylbutazone may pose risks to human health.
WHY IS HORSE MEAT NOT CONSUMED IN TURKEY? In Turkey, the consumption of horse meat is not widespread. Experts state that the main reason for this is not health-related but rather cultural and historical habits. It is expressed that due to the significant role of horses in war, transportation, and agriculture in Turkish society, they have not been seen as "edible animals" over time, which is why the consumption of horse meat has not become common.