Ministry of Trade Imposes Mandatory Disclosure of Grana Information on Menus

The Ministry of Trade has imposed a requirement to provide weight information on döner, İskender, and hamburger products in the food and beverage sector. According to a statement from the ministry, inspections have been initiated for those who do not provide weight information.

The statement outlined the following: "Price stickers and issues related to tariffs and price lists for goods and services offered for retail sale are regulated by the Law on Consumer Protection No. 6502 and the Price Tag Regulation. The main aim of this regulation, which is to organize the form, content, use, and procedures and principles regarding discounted sales of labels, tariffs, and price lists for goods and services offered for retail sale, is significant in terms of 'protecting the economic interests of consumers' and 'providing accurate and complete information.'

Among businesses providing food and beverage services, döner, İskender, and hamburgers are among the most preferred products by consumers. These products are widely preferred nationwide due to their quick service and economic viability. Recently, it has been observed that restaurant and buffet chains, as a traditional sales method, are selling döner, which should be sold by weight, under different names such as 'döner sandwich, bread döner, dürüm döner, service döner, etc.' at varying prices, while İskender and hamburger products are sold in different portions. However, due to the absence of weight information, price comparisons cannot be made, leading to inadequate information for consumers.

To ensure the protection of economic interests of consumers and prevent consumer grievances regarding the döner, İskender, and widely preferred hamburger products—commonly sold by weight and in different sizes—it is necessary for businesses operating in this sector to include weight information as a distinguishing feature in their tariffs and price lists. The Turkey Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges and the Turkey Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen have been informed of this requirement.

Additionally, it is deemed beneficial that the 81 Provincial Trade Directorates continue to conduct widespread and intensive inspections at establishments offering food and beverage services, attention to these specified issues will help prevent businesses from facing penal sanctions."