The recent increase in food poisoning cases in Istanbul has seriously worried both citizens and public authorities. Food safety has once again become one of the most critical agenda items in the city, especially when poisoning incidents at mass consumption points caused hundreds of people to be affected at the same time.

Following these developments, the Governorship of Istanbul convened a well-attended meeting on November 19 under the chairmanship of Governor Davut Gül. Food Safety Meeting organized. Comprehensive decisions were taken at the meeting, including both a registration obligation and a multi-faceted inspection system. These decisions concern not only restaurants, but also cafes, fast-food establishments, catering companies, street vendors and the entire food production chain.

24 Hour Uninterrupted Audio and Video Recording in All Businesses

According to the new decision, in all areas where food is produced, prepared and served 24 hours of uninterrupted camera and audio recording mandatory. These records stored for at least 30 days.

This application aims to:

• Preventing inappropriate behaviors that threaten food safety
• Monitoring whether employees comply with hygiene rules
• Retrospective examination of all stages of the process in a possible poisoning case
• Increasing transparency in businesses

This rule stands out as a mechanism that will facilitate supervision, especially in businesses with closed kitchens.

Food Inspection Commissions Working on a 24-Hour Basis to be Established in the Province

The governor's office announced that food inspection teams will be active around the clock. These teams will

• Restaurants
• Market chains
• Catering companies
• Street vendors
• Food production facilities

will carry out surprise inspections in such areas.

This will ensure that inspections, which were previously limited to certain working hours, can now be carried out at any time of the day. Thus, for businesses, the era of “it is not clear when the inspection will come” has begun.

Hygiene and Food Safety Trainings Became Mandatory for All Business Owners and Employees

The most critical link in the food safety chain is the human factor. Therefore, Governorship, mandatory staff trainings to a state.

Among the compulsory trainings:

• Personal hygiene rules
• Prevention of cross-contamination
• Correct storage conditions
• Cold chain management
• Kitchen sanitation techniques

and other basic topics such as.

This decision aims to overcome the lack of information that is frequently observed especially in small businesses.

72 Hour Witness Sample Requirement to be Rigorously Monitored

Every business is responsible for all the food they sell. sampling and these samples store in suitable conditions for at least 72 hours you have to.

Thanks to this app:

• In case of a possible poisoning case, the products used by the enterprise can be quickly examined
• Businesses will be able to evaluate material freshness and production techniques more objectively
• “Who is responsible?” debates will be resolved with scientific analysis

This is one of the strongest evidence mechanisms of the food inspection system.

Controls to be Increased in All Businesses Including Street Vendors

Not only restaurants, but also people selling food on the streets will be comprehensively inspected in the new period.
In particular:

• Improper storage
• Open sale
• Labeling and products of uncertain origin

will be the focus of inspections.

With this application, it is aimed to completely eliminate the concept of “food not subject to inspection” throughout the city.

Cold Chain Violations Will Not Be Tolerated

Maintaining the cold chain is vital, especially for meat, dairy products, sauces and ready meals. The Governor's Office zero tolerance to implement the new law.

Especially during inspections:

• Cabinet temperatures where products are stored
• Cooling performance of delivery vehicles
• Temperature protection systems in buffet/presentation areas

will be closely scrutinized.

Any breach in the cold chain can result in severe sanctions for the business.

Both Administrative and Criminal Procedures will be Applied to Businesses Selling Spoiled or Expired Products

One of the most common and most serious causes of food poisoning sale of spoiled or expired products, will now be more strictly monitored.

In this context, businesses:

• Administrative fines
• Suspension of activity
• Criminal complaint to the prosecutor's office

such as heavy sanctions can be imposed.

It was announced that this penalty will be applied equally to all businesses, from street delicacies to large restaurant chains.

Spraying Companies Will Also Be Inspected: Administrative and Judicial Action for Non-Standard Practices

Pest and pest control is as critical as hygiene in food safety. For this reason, Governorate, companies spraying in businesses will also be inspected Announced.

Objective:

• Prevent the use of harmful chemicals
• Blocking unlicensed applications
• To ensure that spraying records are kept regularly

Thus, the cleaning processes of businesses will also be made safer.

The Most Critical Recommendation for Businesses in the New Era: Regular Staff Health Screening and Mandatory Trainings

In order to adapt to new decisions, businesses must not only be prepared for audits, but also staff health screenings, hygiene trainings and occupational safety trainings It has become mandatory to carry out regular health screenings. Considering that most of the foodborne risks are caused by employees, it is critical that health screenings such as porter examinations, chest radiography, blood tests, nose-throat-stool cultures are carried out at regular intervals. In addition, hygiene knowledge of kitchen and service personnel is the most fundamental element of food safety culture.

In this context, mobile solutions that provide great convenience to businesses are becoming increasingly important. Sürmen OSGB, offers a wide range of services across Istanbul Mobile Health and Laboratory Services and performs personnel screening in the own area of the enterprise without loss of workforce. In addition, the food industry needs Basic Occupational Safety Trainings, given by the occupational physician Hygiene Trainings, The Ministry of National Education offers support to businesses as a comprehensive solution partner with its MEB-approved certification processes and consultancy services provided to make the business ready for the audit. Thus, businesses can both fully comply with the Governorship decisions and create a healthy and sustainable service standard that gives confidence to their customers.