Yes, selling homemade food in Turkey is legally permissible under strict conditions. The Turkish Food Codex regulates small-scale production, requiring registration with local municipalities or the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Recent 2026 amendments tightened hygiene standards, mandating compliance with HACCP-like protocols for all producers, including home-based operations. Failure to adhere risks fines or shutdowns.
Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in Turkey
- Registration Mandate: Home-based food businesses must register with the District Municipality or Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry under the Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Food Hygiene. Unregistered sales violate Article 28 of the Food Law No. 5996.
- Hygiene and Facility Standards: Production areas must meet HACCP-based requirements, including separate storage for raw materials, handwashing stations, and pest control. The 2026 amendments introduced mandatory food safety training for at least one household member.
- Sales Restrictions: Homemade food may only be sold directly to consumers (e.g., farmers’ markets, online platforms) or through licensed vendors. Wholesale distribution or export is prohibited without a food production facility license.