03.08.2026 14:51
In food safety inspections conducted in Switzerland, boron was detected above the limit permitted by regulations in two different mineral waters of the Kızılay brand, leading to a recall decision for the products and a warning to consumers not to use them. Following the development, Kızılay stated that its products comply with Turkish regulations and international standards, and that the decision stems from the different boron limits between Switzerland and Turkey.
Following Switzerland's decision to recall two mineral waters belonging to the Kızılay due to high boron levels, a written statement was issued by the company. Kızılay stated that its products comply with Turkish regulations and reported that the situation in Switzerland stems from differing legal boron limits between countries.
"MINERAL CONTENT VARIES ACCORDING TO THE NATURAL STRUCTURE OF THE SOURCE"
Kızılay stated that the mineral content of natural mineral waters varies depending on the natural structure of the source from which they are fed, and that legal regulations regarding natural mineral levels vary according to the national legislation of countries.
In the statement, it was expressed that natural mineral waters produced in compliance with legal regulations in Turkey can be evaluated according to different criteria in Switzerland, which is not a European Union member and applies different boron limits.
"OUR EXPORTS CONTINUE UNINTERRUPTEDLY"
Kızılay emphasized that exports of its products to many countries in Europe and the world continue uninterrupted in compliance with the legislation of the relevant countries.
In the statement, it was noted that the upper boron limit applied to natural mineral waters in Switzerland is 1 mg/L, while the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a health-based limit of 2.4 mg/L for boron in drinking water, and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council has set it at 4 mg/L. It was also stated that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not set a regulatory upper limit for boron but has announced a lifetime health advisory value of 5 mg/L.
BORON LEVEL IN THE ERZİNCAN SOURCE ANNOUNCED
In the statement from the company, it was noted that the natural boron level in the Erzincan source varies between 0.8-2.0 mg/L depending on production periods, and that the products comply with Turkey's Regulation on Natural Mineral Waters and relevant international standards.
Kızılay also emphasized that its products fall within the appropriate range in terms of health-based assessments by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"IT ORIGINATES FROM DIFFERENT LEGISLATION"
At the end of the statement, it was reported that the recall decision in Switzerland stems from differing legislative provisions and boron limits applied between countries, and that the process is being closely followed in line with the evaluations of the relevant official institutions.