22.01.2025 10:42
In the inspections conducted by the İzmir Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry in 2024, it was revealed that 10 out of more than 1,000 meat establishments in the region were involved in counterfeiting and adulteration. The most commonly detected product in these establishments was poultry meat, and a total administrative fine of 2,883,772 TL was imposed on these businesses.
In the inspections conducted by the İzmir Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, it was determined that out of over a thousand registered meat businesses in İzmir in 2024, 10 were found to be involved in imitation and adulteration. In the species determination analyses conducted on red meat products, poultry meat was detected the most.
The İzmir Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry continues its inspections regarding foods that may pose health risks due to imitation and adulteration. In the inspections carried out by the provincial directorate, it was found that 10 meat businesses in İzmir were involved in imitation and adulteration in 2024. A total administrative fine of 2 million 883 thousand 772 TL was imposed on the meat businesses identified as engaging in imitation and adulteration in İzmir in 2024. In the species determination analyses conducted on red meat products, poultry meat was detected the most. In 2024, during illegal slaughter, 100 kilograms of horse meat, 200 kilograms of cattle meat, and 12 kilograms of sheep meat were detected and destroyed. Throughout the year, in inspections conducted under the Food and Feed Law No. 5996, 30 thousand kilograms of meat and meat products that were found to be contrary to the regulations were identified and destroyed.
"SAMPLES WERE TAKEN FOR 311 TYPES OF INSPECTIONS"
Mustafa Şahin, the İzmir Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, stated that approximately 110 thousand inspections were carried out in over 46 thousand registered and approved food businesses in İzmir in 2024, saying, "To detect imitation or adulteration, our teams go to businesses unannounced or take samples from products on the shelves. We check whether the declaration on the label matches the product inside. In İzmir, samples were taken for 311 types of inspections in 2024. 19 of them were found to be negative. The vast majority of the negatives were detections of poultry meat within red meat," he stated.
"LABEL LITERACY IS NECESSARY"
Şahin, who mentioned that there are over a thousand registered businesses specifically for meat and meat products in İzmir, stated that imitation and adulteration were detected in 10 businesses. Şahin said, "Among these, soy or poultry meat was detected. Legal actions, administrative fines, and public announcements were made against the businesses. Products identified as imitation and adulteration were withdrawn from the market. The most frequently detected was poultry meat in red meat. The best inspector is the consumer themselves. We recommend that they check what the product is, how it is stored, and whether the consumption date has passed before purchasing. Every product has a value. If the product is significantly below its existing value, it should be viewed with suspicion by the consumer. If there is any doubt, they can report it through 'ALO 174' or directly to the district agricultural directorates for inspections. The results are also communicated to the applicant. It is important to ensure that a product is approved by the ministry. Label literacy is necessary. If there is bulging, mold, or something similar in a packaged product, it is necessary to report it to the directorates quickly," he explained.
"AVOID PRODUCTS WITHOUT TRACEABILITY"
Şahin emphasized that over 70 million TL in administrative fines were imposed in 2024 due to the negative findings identified in the inspections conducted in 46 thousand businesses operating in İzmir, stating, "In the inspections conducted in red meat businesses, approximately 3 million TL in administrative fines were imposed on those who were operating outside of their activity or had deficiencies. After fines are imposed, if a public announcement is required, we communicate it to the ministry. Our ministry shares this with the entire country." Şahin noted that citizens have shown a preference for red meat, saying, "As a country, we love red meat. The entire period from when the product leaves the business until it reaches the final consumer is monitored by the ministry," he stated.
"PREFER APPROVED BUSINESSES"
Şahin also called on citizens, saying, "Citizens should prefer products obtained from businesses registered and approved by the ministry. They should avoid unwrapped, unpackaged, and untraceable products sold on the street. The best inspector is the consumer themselves. Regardless of what is consumed, it should be ensured that it is from a registered or approved business by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Registered and approved businesses in İzmir are inspected more than twice a year. I would like to emphasize that products obtained from these businesses can be consumed with peace of mind," he said.