21.05.2026 17:11
{"text":"The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has denied claims about "artificial meat". In the statement, it was said, "There is no production or consumption of artificial meat within Turkey's borders, nor will there be.""}
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry stated, "Artificial meat production and consumption are not an issue within Turkey's borders and will not be."
DENIAL OF "ARTIFICIAL MEAT" CLAIMS
In a written statement from the Ministry, it was noted that the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Novel Foods and its implementing communiqué were published in the Official Gazette on May 20, 2026, and entered into force. The statement indicated that some media outlets have made news and comments that could create a false perception in the public, suggesting that the phrase 'foods obtained from cell or tissue cultures' in the regulation implies permission for artificial meat. It added: "The definition of 'novel food' in the regulation covers products that were not widely consumed in Turkey before December 31, 2025, and are listed in the annex of the regulation.
"PRODUCTS PRODUCED WITH CELL AND TISSUE CULTURE ARE PROHIBITED"
For novel foods to be marketed, an application to the ministry, a scientific risk assessment, and inclusion in the regulation's annex list are required. The phrase 'obtained from organisms such as plants, microorganisms' in the regulation does not allow applications for cell and tissue cultures that could be derived from animal tissues during the application process. Therefore, no application can be made for 'artificial meat' or products that evoke this concept. Our Ministry firmly maintains its stance against products produced with cell and tissue culture, referred to as 'artificial meat.'
Protecting natural production, our livestock sector, consumer health, and cultural sensitivities is our top priority. This new regulation, contrary to claims, has placed the ban on artificial meat on a much stronger legal basis and barrier. Artificial meat production and consumption are not an issue within Turkey's borders and will not be."