Food Labels

  • When purchasing food, we should read and inspect the label in detail.
  • We should buy products from food establishments that have a registration/approval number from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye.

We Should Read the Food Label Carefully

What Information is Included on Food Labels?

Such as Cheese, Yogurt, Legumes, etc.

It indicates the weight or volume of the food product being sold (kg, L).

The country where the food product is entirely obtained or produced.

Food labels must include the name and address of the food producer, as well as the registration or approval number issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye.

It is important for consumers to know which food business operator has produced the food they are purchasing.

The list of ingredients should be provided, indicating the components contained in the purchased food product.

The list is usually labeled as “Ingredients” or “Contents”.

All the ingredients used in the production of the food product should be listed in descending order of used weight.

Food products contain essential components for the human body, such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and minerals.

The nutrition table on the label should provide information about these components. It allows us to understand what nutrients and in what quantities we will obtain from the food product.

If there is a specific nutrient that we do not wish to consume, we can make an informed decision whether to purchase that food product or not.

If we have an allergy to certain foods and consume them, it can cause adverse reactions in our body and affect our health.

Food labels include allergens separately in the ingredient list, using a different font, color, or size. Alternatively, allergens can be clearly stated at the end of the ingredient list. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully read the food labels if we have a diagnosed food allergy and avoid consuming those specific foods.

“The expiration date” is indicated on food products that are microbiologically perishable and may pose a risk to human health shortly after consumption.

For example, animal-based foods such as pasteurized milk, cheese, poultry, sausages, as well as products containing animal-based ingredients like fresh cream cakes, are stored in refrigerators.

Expired food products should not be consumed as they are no longer safe for human consumption.

The best before date is used for food products that do not spoil microbiologically quickly and are typically stored at room temperature.

For example; biscuits, crackers, confectionery, wafers, etc.

If a food product has a best before date:

It means that the taste, smell, and appearance of the product are at their best until that date. As long as the packaging is intact and the food product has been properly stored, there is no harm in consuming it even if the best before date has passed.

The storage conditions required for the product to be preserved are stated on the label and can be read together with the Expiry/Best-before date.

It is advisable not to purchase food products that do not meet the specified storage conditions.

To prevent food spoilage at home, it is important to pay attention to the storage conditions of the purchased food products.

Improper storage and subsequent disposal of spoiled food contribute to food waste.

Information about the usage and preparation of the food product as stated on the label.

Other mandatory information that needs to be declared according to the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Labeling and Provision of Food Information to Consumers.