Turkey has once again been identified as the leading violator of food safety standards in the European Union, with its exports triggering a record 488 alerts in 2024, according to the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).
The latest figures show a sharp increase from 408 alerts in 2023, reinforcing concerns about Turkey’s failure to meet the EU’s stringent food safety regulations. As a result, Turkey tops the list of countries with the highest number of violations, surpassing other major exporters such as China, Poland, India, and the Netherlands.
Rising Food Safety Concerns in Turkish Exports
The alerts, which serve as a critical warning system to safeguard the food supply within the EU, highlight persistent and widespread issues with Turkish food products. Among the most common violations were excessive pesticide residues, contamination with pathogenic microorganisms, the presence of unauthorized additives, and the detection of mycotoxins.
Products from Turkey, including dried figs, pistachios, fresh lemons, and tomatoes, were frequently flagged for containing hazardous substances. Specifically, chemicals like aflatoxins and chlorpyrifos—both banned in the EU due to their health risks—were found in these exports. The presence of Salmonella in ground hazelnuts and sesame seeds also raised alarms, posing a significant public health risk.
Systemic Failures in Food Safety Regulation
The ongoing violations suggest deep-rooted flaws in Turkey’s food safety system, highlighting a lack of effective oversight and regulatory enforcement. Critics argue that political interests often take precedence over public health, leading to unsafe products being allowed into both domestic and international markets.
Despite Turkey’s obligations under its customs union agreement with the EU to align its food safety standards with EU regulations, little progress has been made. The Turkish Food Safety and Control Directorate has faced growing criticism for its lack of transparency and insufficient enforcement of food safety measures.
Domestic Oversight Issues
One key concern is that many products rejected by the EU due to contamination issues are not flagged domestically in Turkey. This raises the possibility that unsafe items could still be sold on local markets. For example, while the EU repeatedly rejected shipments of dried figs and pistachios due to contamination, Turkish authorities did not take corresponding action to address the issue.
International Implications and Global Attention
The alerts issued by the RASFF are shared globally through networks like the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) to mitigate food safety risks worldwide. However, Turkey’s inconsistent response to these warnings has frustrated EU officials and raised doubts about the country’s commitment to addressing its food safety challenges.
As the number of violations continues to grow, experts urge Turkey to reform its regulatory institutions and align its food safety practices with international standards to prevent further damage to its reputation and public health.