Turkey has introduced new rules covering the production, labelling and sale of meat and meat products. Published in the Official Gazette on September 16, 2026, the regulations include a 12-hour limit for raw döner at retail outlets, restrictions on chicken mince and a ban on “100%” claims on meat product labels.
New Rules for Döner, Köfte and Other Meat Products
The new regulation, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, covers beef, lamb, poultry, minced meat, döner, köfte, sucuk, pastırma, kavurma and other meat products.
Döner will now be classified as leaf döner, minced-meat döner or a combination of the two. Minced-meat döner may contain up to 90% mince and must contain at least 10% sliced meat. The mixed version must contain at least 60% sliced meat.
Döner must contain at least 12% total meat protein, with fat limited to 25% and salt to 2%. Pistachios, cheese and dietary fibre will not be permitted in certain döner products.
Raw döner at retail outlets must be sold within 12 hours of the start of cooking. The same limit applies to raw poultry döner.
Chicken Mince Must Be Sold Frozen
Chicken mince and prepared poultry mixtures made with chicken mince may only be sold frozen. Products such as poultry köfte and burgers must meet specific protein, fat and salt requirements.
The regulation also establishes minimum meat protein levels and limits on fat, salt and other ingredients in products such as sucuk, pastırma, kavurma, burgers and processed meat.
“100%” Claims Banned on Meat Labels
One of the most notable changes is the ban on labels and logos using expressions such as “100%” or “100% Beef.” Product names must clearly identify the animal species and meet new labelling requirements.
Labels must also identify the animal species from which any animal fat is obtained. Certain poultry products containing beef or lamb meat or fat must declare those ingredients.
The regulation further restricts the use of fillers, starch, soya products, certain additives and smoke flavourings in various meat products.
Businesses Have Until March 2027 to Comply
Food businesses operating before the new regulation was published have until March 31, 2027, to comply with the new requirements. Until then, they may continue operating under the previous rules.
Products placed on the market before March 31, 2027, may remain on sale until the end of their shelf life. The new regulation came into force on September 16, 2026.
Source: BirGün
