Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli announced that intensified inspections of street food outlets are starting after the latest cases of food poisoning in the country, Turkish state television TRT Haber reported, quoted by BTA.
Yumaklı reported that 1,143,000 inspections have been carried out in food establishments since the beginning of the year. 26,591 violators have been fined 2.265 billion Turkish liras (46.2 million euros), and 506 cases have been referred to the prosecutor's office. He recalled that Turkey regularly publishes lists of companies accused of counterfeiting and dangerous practices.
The minister also presented a new system through which the purchase of plant protection products will be possible only with a prescription from authorized agronomists in order to limit the illegal use of pesticides in agriculture. The system will be implemented throughout the country next year.
A mobile application is being developed in parallel, which will allow citizens to report irregularities in food establishments, and the institutions will react immediately.
The minister also commented on the case of the family, whose four members died after suspected food poisoning in a hotel in Istanbul. According to Yumakli, the investigation continues under the leadership of the prosecutor's office and those responsible will face punishment.
After the tragic incident, the Ministry has launched a large-scale campaign to inspect food outlets, including street vendors. Inspectors check storage conditions, expiration dates, risk of contamination and compliance with hygiene requirements.
Yumaklı called on local authorities to strengthen control over the sites they issue permits to and to close down illegal sales points.