In Alanya, allegations of a "toxic product"
It has been claimed that vegetables and fruits purchased from markets and chain stores in Alanya contain pesticides exceeding safe limits. Chairman of the Alanya Wholesale Market Commission Association Adem Kaya stated that inspections need to be increased, while Alanya District Director of Agriculture and Forestry Mehmet Rüzgar emphasized that inspections and analyses are meticulously carried out at every stage.
It was reported that tomatoes purchased from a market in Alanya contained nine different pesticides. Studies revealed that seven of these pesticides were within safe limits, but the concentrations of pesticides named Indoxacarb and Malathion were significantly high. Experts noted that Indoxacarb was found at levels 11 times above the safe limit, while Malathion was detected at 17 times the limit. This situation raised concerns about potential health risks for consumers. Officials called on the public to be more aware of food safety and health concerns, stressing the importance of regular product inspections.
"BANNED PESTICIDE FOUND"
Mustafa Ezici, a producer of tropical fruits and saplings in Alanya, made significant statements regarding the issue. He noted that he sent 73 products purchased from markets and chain stores in Alanya for analysis, and most of the vegetables, fruits, and greens contained pesticides. He specifically mentioned finding a banned pesticide in a red apple bought from a chain supermarket. Ezici stated that regular analyses are not conducted in Turkish markets and grocery stores. Once analyzed, products are not rechecked, which, he warned, could invite cancer risks.
Ezici added: "I sent 73 products purchased from markets and chain stores in Alanya for analysis. Most of the vegetables, fruits, and greens were found to contain pesticides. A banned pesticide was found in a red apple from a chain supermarket. Unfortunately, in our country, pre-analyses are not conducted in markets and grocery stores. Products are tested only once and not checked again. This invites cancer risks. From Erdemli to Kaş, leukemia is observed in farmers' children. The reason is that farmers use herbicides. When children visiting greenhouses come into contact with these chemicals, they face health risks. Agricultural engineers should prescribe these chemicals, and farmers must use them as per the prescription. However, 90% of farmers use them at their discretion. No one has the right to poison 80 million people in this way. The situation is very alarming. In 2009, I conducted an analysis of seafood, and the results were also bad. Serious inspections are necessary. Turkey is number one in food fraud. Markets and grocery stores must have analysis devices. Dangerous products should neither be purchased nor sold. They must not gamble with public health".
"HUMAN HEALTH CANNOT BE COMPROMISED"
Chairman of the Alanya Wholesale Market Commission Association, Adem Kaya, emphasized that producers generally use fertilizers and pesticides consciously and under control, but inspections need to be increased. Kaya stated: "In general, our producers use fertilizers and pesticides consciously and under control. However, more inspections and controls should be conducted by the authorities of our state. If a non-compliant producer is identified, deterrent measures and, if necessary, punitive actions should be taken. No one, regardless of who they are, has the right to compromise human health".
"OUR PRODUCTS IN ALANYA ARE CLEAN"
The Head of the Alanya District Agriculture and Forestry Directorate, Mehmet Rüzgar, emphasized that inspections and analyses are carried out meticulously at every stage. Rüzgar said: "Our Alanya Agriculture and Forestry Directorate and agricultural engineers take samples from greenhouses, fields, and gardens before harvest as part of the Ministry's annual pesticide analysis program and during our inspections. After the harvest, we collect vegetable and fruit samples from wholesale markets, grocery stores, hotel and restaurant storages and send them to Antalya Provincial Control Laboratory for pesticide analysis. While taking samples, we collect two sets: one for analysis and the other as a reference. If the producer disputes the result, the reference sample is sent to a laboratory in another region. This process is applied to all food product samples. In cases of negative results, we impose penalties. Additionally, we continuously inspect all outlets selling plant protection products. We regularly educate our producers on the use of plant protection products. If samples of Alanya products taken in another region yield negative results, we receive notifications and follow up. Our products in Alanya are clean".
