Dairy Imitation Scandal: No Real Buffalo Milk in Buffalo Milk!
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Turkey has recently updated its list of “Imitation or Adulterated Foods” and “Foods That May Endanger Health” for October 17th and 18th. A total of 47 products have been added to the list of imitated and adulterated foods, bringing the total number to 662.
Previously, instances of fraud included mixing pork meat into popular dishes like bowl kebabs, meatballs, and doner kebab, as well as horse and donkey meat into lahmacun and Adana kebab. However, the latest list reveals fraudulent activities mainly in animal products such as cheddar cheese, white cheese, butter, milk, and cream.
One concerning case involved kashar cheese, which was found to have a lower fat content than required or had vegetable oil added to it. Additionally, an excessive use of the mold and fungus inhibitor natamycin was detected in kashar cheese. Other notable findings included the absence of starch in melted cheese and the absence of buffalo milk in milk sold as buffalo milk.
Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and check the authenticity of the products they purchase to ensure their health and safety. The Ministry continues to monitor and update the list in efforts to combat food fraud in the country.
