The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry ("Ministry") published the Communiqué No. 2019/48 on Professionals That Must Be Employed at Food and Feed Premises ("Communiqué") in the Official Gazette on December 6, 2019. The Communiqué sets forth the relevant food and feed premises, as well as the professions of the personnel that the premises must employ depending on the type and nature of the commercial activity carried out.
What's New?
Pursuant to Article 22 of the Law No. 5996 on Veterinary Services, Plant Health, Food and Feed ("Law"), depending on the type and nature of the commercial activity, certain food and feed premises must employ at least one personnel holding a degree relevant to the activities of the premises. The Law authorizes the Ministry to amend the food and feed premises and personnel professions list based on scientific facts and current conditions.
Accordingly, the Communiqué updates the list of relevant food and feed premises, and expanded the scope of the personnel list. Food technologists and bioengineers are added to the list of personnel that certain food and feed premises must employ.
The food and food premises and personnel list is available here (in Turkish).
Conclusion
The Ministry continues to take active steps to ensure food and feed safety. In this respect, all food and feed premises should regularly follow the Ministry's announcements, carefully review the food and feed premises and personnel lists under the Communiqué and evaluate their business activities accordingly to ensure compliance.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.