Istanbul Bolsters Food Safety with Comprehensive New Regulations
Istanbul, January 14 – The Istanbul Governor’s Office has announced a series of new regulations aimed at enhancing food safety and controlling biocidal applications across the city. These measures include mandatory permits for street food vendors, the installation of camera systems in food production and sales areas, and increased scrutiny of pest control companies and their client businesses.
Strict Controls for Street Vendors and Food Establishments
The Governor’s Office, in a letter titled “Food Reliability and Biocidal Applications” sent to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, district municipalities, and other relevant institutions, reiterated that authorities, duties, and responsibilities regarding food safety are determined by laws such as the Public Health Law No. 1593, Municipality Law No. 5393, and Veterinary Services, Plant Health, Food, and Feed Law No. 5996.
The letter also states that the hygiene rules and responsibilities that food businesses must comply with at all stages from primary production to consumption are regulated within the scope of the “Food Hygiene Regulation.”
Moving forward with a “zero tolerance for food issues” principle, the new regulations aim to prevent foodborne illness cases throughout the province. Key provisions include:
- Permits for Street Vendors: Mobile sales vehicles falling under the exceptional provisions of the “Regulation on Registration and Approval Procedures of Food Businesses” will only be granted permits after meticulous examination by municipal authorities. No mobile sales vehicle without a permit will be allowed to operate, and permitted vendors will be continuously monitored for food safety by the issuing authority.
- Camera Systems in Food Businesses: Food businesses will be required to install camera systems in their production and sales areas. All recordings must be retained for a period of 30 days.
- Increased Oversight of Pest Control: Companies providing pest control services and the businesses where these applications are carried out will be subject to inspection. Administrative actions will be initiated by provincial/district health directorates against those who violate the provisions of the “Regulation on the Procedures and Principles of Biocidal Product Use,” and criminal complaints will be filed with the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office if deemed necessary.
Rapid Response to Potential Poisoning Incidents
In the event of a potential poisoning incident, despite all preventive measures, the necessary coordination will be established between relevant institutions through the GAMER secretariat, under the leadership of the Deputy Governor responsible for the Security Emergency and Coordination Center (GAMER), to ensure a rapid flow of information.
Sealing of Non-Compliant Businesses and Legal Action
The letter further specifies that businesses found to be operating in violation of regulations during inspections will be sealed by municipal police or relevant units and reported to law enforcement. It emphasizes that assigned personnel from law enforcement units, particularly neighborhood watchmen, will regularly monitor whether seals have been broken.
“If it is determined that the business continues its activities without authorization by owners, employees, or third parties breaking the seal, the institution that conducted the inspection or received the notification will take necessary actions and file a criminal complaint with the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office against those responsible,” the statement reads.
The Governor’s Office has urged all relevant institutions and organizations to meticulously examine these issues, increase inspections, take necessary legal action against businesses that endanger public health regarding food safety and hygiene, ensure coordination among institutions, and prevent any disruptions in implementation.
