Hygiene Concerns in Offal Shops in Fatih: The Unbearable Stench
Hygiene concerns in offal shops in the Fatih district of Istanbul have sparked outrage among residents and traders alike. A recent investigation revealed shocking conditions in the marketplace, where garbage, dirt, and blood stains littered the ground. Equipment used for cutting, weighing, and transporting products were found to be dirty and left outside, posing serious health risks to consumers.
Most of the meat product businesses in the area, many of which are owned by foreign nationals, were found to be selling products such as heads, tripe, chicken feet, dried meat, and fish in unsanitary conditions. Some products were even seen touching each other or being sold in the open, raising serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards.
Shopkeepers, especially those on the upper floors of the three-story building, complained about the intense smell and dirt emanating from the lower floors. Despite voicing their concerns to the authorities and fellow traders, their complaints have not been taken seriously. Residents are calling on the municipality and relevant ministries to conduct a thorough inspection of the marketplace and enforce strict hygiene regulations.
One trader, Metin Kabakkaya, who has been in the area for over 25 years, expressed his frustrations, saying, “We can smell it here. We tell our complaints to the traders, but they do not take us seriously. We want the authorities to intervene and clean up this place before it becomes a breeding ground for diseases.”
The lack of cleanliness and proper hygiene practices in the marketplace not only poses a health risk to consumers but also contributes to the spread of diseases. Residents and traders are urging the authorities to take immediate action to address the hygiene concerns in offal shops in Fatih and ensure the safety of the community.
