No, raw milk sales are prohibited in Turkey under the Regulation on Raw Milk Hygiene (2011) and Food Codex Communiqué on Raw Milk (2020), enforced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Only pasteurized or heat-treated milk may be commercially distributed, aligning with EU-aligned standards to mitigate Brucella, E. coli, and Listeria risks. Informal sales via unregistered vendors face fines up to ₺50,000 (2024), while 2026 amendments tighten traceability for dairy processors.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Turkey
- Mandatory Pasteurization: All raw milk intended for human consumption must undergo pasteurization (63°C for 30 minutes or equivalent) per Food Codex Communiqué on Raw Milk (2020), enforced by provincial agricultural directorates.
- Prohibition on Direct Sales: Article 5 of the Regulation on Raw Milk Hygiene (2011) bans raw milk sales in markets, street vendors, or unlicensed premises; violations trigger administrative closures under the Turkish Food Law (No. 5996).
- Traceability Requirements: From 2026, dairy farms supplying processors must implement blockchain-based tracking systems (per Ministry of Agriculture Circular 2024/12) to document herd health, milking hygiene, and transport conditions.