The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has refuted claims that the newly enacted Novel Foods Regulation permits cultured meat production in Türkiye. Officials announced that the framework actually establishes a more robust legal barrier against synthetic meat, blocking any applications based on animal tissue cultures.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry issued a statement following public debates sparked by the publication of the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Novel Foods in the Official Gazette. Contrary to claims circulating in certain media outlets, the ministry clarified that the new legal framework introduces a much stronger statutory foundation and an insurmountable barrier that reinforces the existing ban on cultured meat.

Under the regulation, novel foods are defined as products not widely consumed in Türkiye before December 31, 2025. Market approval requires formal application, scientific risk assessment, and inclusion in an authorized list. However, provisions regarding foods derived from plants and microorganisms strictly exclude cultures produced from animal tissues. This legal restriction completely prevents applications for cultured meat.

Prioritizing the protection of natural production, domestic livestock farming, consumer health, and cultural sensitivities, the ministry maintains its resolute stance against laboratory-grown products.