Decree Law amending the Law on the production, consumption and inspection of food.

The objective of this Law is to define the procedures and principles regarding production, processing, storing, and marketing of foods, in order to ensure food safety. Individuals and companies involved in food production and processing must apply for a license and a registration number to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Public and private laboratories could be appointed to conduct tests on food and food related materials. A National Food Codex Commission has been appointed to prepare the codex. The Law suggests the institution of scientific committees for risk analysis, that shall research, gather, compile, analyze, and provide comments on scientific and technical data. A National Food Assembly has also instituted, involving representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Undersecretariat of External Trade, Undersecretariat of State Planning Organization, and State Statistics Institute, Universities, private sector, and civil society organizations. The main task of this assembly is to provide suggestions and recommendations to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on food-related affairs. Imported Food products should comply with Turkish Food Codex. Ports of entry are determined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Rules and principles regarding production and marketing of natural spring waters, mineral waters, and processed waters are defined by the Ministry of Health. However, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is authorized to define these rules and principles, if these waters contain additives that are not present naturally.