Producer from Alanya claimed to have been threatened: toxic vegetable statement became a national topic

Producer Mustafa Ezici Claims He Was Threatened Over 'Pesticide' Allegations

Producer Mustafa Ezici, a guest on the program Söz Bizde aired on DİM TV, claimed that he was threatened for allegedly causing a decline in the business of Alanya’s producers by bringing up the pesticide issue.

While Ezici explained this during the program, which discussed the use of pesticides in agriculture, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı commented on the ongoing concern about agricultural chemicals. Yumaklı stated that it is normal for people to show sensitivity with questions like, “Are we eating poison?” He added: “I have children, too. This is no joke. We bear the responsibility of ensuring everyone’s access to safe food. Products returned from abroad are destroyed.”

"I’m Being Threatened"

Well-known Alanya producer Mustafa Ezici, who brought attention to the pesticide issue, was a guest on the Söz Bizde program, moderated by Sudi Çandır on DİM TV. Speaking about his analyses of toxic food products threatening public health, Ezici revealed that he had received threats for publishing these findings.

Ezici stressed that it is impossible to achieve access to safe food without transitioning to a system of health-certified products. He explained that he personally pays out of pocket to purchase vegetables and fruits from various markets, conducts tests on them, and keeps the reports. He also expressed respect for producers who do their work responsibly.

"I’m Not Trying to Slander Anyone"

Emphasizing that his only goal is to raise awareness and help people access safe food, Ezici said:

“I had products purchased from chain markets tested at my own expense and published the reports.

Some people in Alanya were disturbed by this. I don’t even know where these products were grown, but they made it seem as if I targeted someone deliberately.”

"I Receive Threats"

Vegetables and fruits exported from Turkey are returned after tests reveal issues. If we prioritized health certification for products, such scandals would not occur.

I cannot let someone else’s child eat a product I wouldn’t give to my own child. I have difficulty understanding those who criticize me. This is one of the fundamental and most critical problems in our country.

I have no issues with farmers who do scientific and quality agriculture, but many producers still use traditional methods when applying chemicals.

They may not have malicious intent, but they are unaware of the seriousness of the situation.”

"This Isn’t Just Alanya’s Problem"

I conducted not one but multiple tests. I had apples from one of the chain markets tested and published the reports, which revealed pesticide use. These products are not grown in our region, but some groups claimed I harmed Alanya’s farmers.

I am trying to protect the reputation of not just Alanya but also Turkey. I am working to increase our $35 billion exports through healthy products.

"Where Do Returned Products Go?"

There is a misconception among the public that returned food products are consumed domestically. However, this is false. When these products are returned, it is costly for exporters. Returned goods are destroyed under the supervision of customs officials and agricultural ministry representatives.

Yet, there are also cases where exporters sell these products to third-world countries without returning them to Turkey.

I am stating clearly: there is a page called Food Detective, a site that exposes harmful foods. No matter how much we oppose it, these realities do not change. The facts and official reports remain.

I call on our farmers: practice conscious agriculture. Healthy products can be sold at higher prices. Those who criticize me today will thank me tomorrow. I will create even more awareness in this cause. I will fight until citizens have access to safe food and until the Ministry of Agriculture makes this certification mandatory”.

"Products Must Be Tested Before Entering the Market"

Chain markets, in particular, must test the products they sell. Products should be tested as soon as they leave the greenhouse and enter the marketplace, and a “healthy food” label should be affixed.

But don’t tell me this: is a farmer who produces toxic products without professional consulting more important than the health of 86 million people?

I appeal to consumers: I believe I am opening a new chapter. You will see that health certification will soon become mandatory. Clean products will generate profit, while poisoning society through moldy and toxic food is unacceptable.

I am not afraid and will fight to the end”.