In Turkey, the regulation and registration of food supplements are primarily overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The foundational legal frameworks include the Regulation on Import, Production, Processing, and Placing on the Market of Food Supplements (2013) and the Turkish Food Codex Food Supplements Communiqué 2013/49.
Definition of Food Supplements
Food supplements in Turkey are defined as products intended to supplement the normal diet. They are concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with nutritional or physiological effects and are marketed in dose forms such as capsules, tablets, powders, or liquids.
Registration Process
Before placing a food supplement on the Turkish market, businesses must register the product with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The registration process involves submitting an application to the competent provincial directorate, including specific information and documentation related to the product’s composition and manufacturing. If the product meets all regulatory conditions, the provincial directorate issues an official letter acknowledging its registration in Turkey. Registrations typically take no more than 14 days unless additional information is required. Products containing more than three ingredients may be referred to the “Food Supplements Commission” of the Ministry of Health for further evaluation.
Labeling and Health Claims
Recent regulatory updates have introduced significant changes regarding health claims for food supplements. The Regulation on Health Claims for Food and Food Supplements entered into force on 20 April 2023, transferring the authority over health claims from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to the Turkish Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Authority. Notably, the previous requirement for obtaining official permission to use health claims has been abolished. Now, health claims listed in the Guideline on Health Claims for Food and Food Supplements can be used without prior authorization, provided they comply with the regulation and guideline provisions.
Ongoing Developments
On 3 November 2023, the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry published a draft amendment of the Food Supplement Regulation, seeking to update and refine existing regulations. Stakeholders were invited to provide feedback on this draft regulation by 30 November 2023.
By adhering to these guidelines and staying informed about regulatory updates, companies can ensure their food supplements comply with Turkish regulations, facilitating successful market entry and distribution.