The sale of products that appear to be 'lemon juice' has been banned.

The new era in markets officially started on January 1st.

NOW PROHIBITED FOR SALE

Mersin Commodity Exchange (MTB) President Abdullah Özdemir stated that, according to the regulation change published in the Official Gazette dated January 31, 2024, products resembling lemon juice, such as lemon-flavored sauce, lemon sauce, and similar products, will not be allowed to be offered for sale, placed on shelves, or sold in the domestic market starting from January 1st.

"PRODUCERS' PROFITS WILL INCREASE"

Özdemir emphasized that lemons classified as second quality and waste, which do not have table quality, are used in the industry, and continued: "The decision that started to be implemented as of January 1st will have a positive impact on consumers. This decision is also of great importance in ensuring uninterrupted access to healthy and reliable food. We will now consume original lemon juice and sauces. Our consumers will prefer products made from original lemons, which our farmers have worked hard for and sweated over, instead of products containing chemicals, creating false perceptions, and posing health risks. This decision is also a valuable step in preventing consumer deception and combating imitation and adulteration. At the same time, our second quality and waste lemons will not go to waste, and the profits of our lemon producers will also increase. In this way, both our consumers and our lemon producers, as well as our national economy, will benefit, forming the three-legged stool," he stated.

"CONSUMERS HAVE IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES"

Özdemir noted that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has intensified its efforts recently, implementing strict inspections to protect consumer health and imposing heavy and deterrent penalties. He stated, "In this regard, both acting consciously and ensuring that the Ministry's efforts progress on a more efficient ground place important responsibilities and duties on us consumers. As consumers, it is crucial to read food labels carefully and to communicate complaints, suggestions, and notifications to the relevant units of our Ministry. Therefore, we consumers are the best food inspectors," he said.