he ‘Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Microbiological Criteria’ was published in the Official Gazette dated 13.02.2025 and numbered 32812.
The Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Microbiological Criteria published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry covers the microbiological criteria that should be present in foods in order to ensure food safety and hygiene practices of food establishments.
Purpose and Scope of the Regulation
This regulation aims to ensure food safety by controlling the presence of microorganisms, toxins and metabolites in foods. However, the regulation also includes articles on food operators to act in accordance with hygiene rules in production, processing and distribution processes, and it is stated that this regulation will be implemented in accordance with the Food Hygiene Regulation and other relevant legislation.
Main Regulations
Responsibilities of Food Businesses: Businesses will ensure compliance with microbiological criteria through good hygiene practices and measures based on the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) system.
Sampling and Analyses: Specific sampling plans will be implemented to assess the safety of food. These processes will be subject to approval, as the use of alternative methods of analysis is subject to specific criteria.
Response to Inappropriate Results: If microbiological analyses show inappropriate results, businesses will be obliged to take corrective measures.
Labelling: Consumers will be clearly informed that minced meat and meat products at risk for Salmonella ‘should be cooked and consumed’.
Inspection and Sanctions: Administrative sanctions may be imposed on businesses that do not comply with the provisions of the Regulation within the framework of Law No. 5996.
New Regulation Harmonised with the European Union
It is stated that the new regulation is prepared in accordance with the European Union (EC) Regulation 2073/2005 on Microbiological Criteria for Foodstuffs. The regulation dated 2011, which was previously in force, was abolished and the new regulation entered into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
It is also stated that enterprises in the food sector are required to adapt to alternative analysis methods until 1 July 2025.
More detailed information aboutthe Regulation can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
