Türkiye Tightens Rules on Food Additives Under New Food Codex

Türkiye has introduced updated rules on food flavorings under the Turkish Food Codex, tightening requirements for certain additives, labeling and the approval of flavoring substances.

The new regulation, implemented by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry on September 14, includes restrictions on certain insect- and pork-derived flavorings and sets a deadline for phasing out 10 specific substances.

10 Flavoring Substances to Be Phased Out

Starting from December 31, 2026, 10 flavoring substances will no longer be permitted to circulate on the market, be used in food production or imported into Türkiye.

The substances listed in the regulation are:

• FL 04.029
• FL 05.100
• FL 05.175
• FL 05.222
• FL 15.029
• FL 15.030
• FL 15.060
• FL 15.119
• FL 15.130
• FL 15.131

Food businesses have until December 31, 2026, to comply with the updated requirements.

Additional Restrictions on Flavorings

Two other substances, FL 05.062 and FL 05.099, will face restrictions on their use in specific categories of food from the same date.

The regulation also prohibits covered flavoring products from being marketed under the names of alcoholic beverages.

Certain flavorings will require explicit approval from the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry before they can be added to the permitted list.

New Rules for Natural Flavoring Labels

The updated framework also introduces clearer requirements for products marketed as natural flavorings.

When a flavoring is described as natural and linked to a specific food or biological source, at least 95 percent of its components by weight must originate from that stated source.

If all components are derived from natural substances, manufacturers can use the “natural flavoring substances” designation.

Flavorings covered by genetically modified organism regulations will also require the necessary clearance before receiving Ministry approval.

New Labeling Requirements

Flavorings that are not intended for direct sale to consumers will now require more detailed labeling information, including:

• Purpose of use
• Storage conditions
• Batch number
• Manufacturer information

Purely sweet, sour or salty substances, as well as unprocessed foods, remain outside the scope of these new flavoring requirements.

What Happens to Products Already on the Market?

The updated regulation replaces the previous framework introduced in 2011.

Products containing the restricted additives that were already placed on the market before the December 31 deadline will be allowed to remain available until their expiration dates.

The changes are aimed at strengthening food labeling, administrative oversight and control of flavoring substances entering Türkiye’s food supply chain.