AKP advocates setting standards by drawing clear limits on the use of cigarettes in venues and public spaces, and tightening controls on existing rules; It is also working on a "health package" that includes the production and content control of food supplements by the Ministry of Health and regulations regarding family medicine and the Ministry of Health organization.
After the studies on the subject are completed, the 20-25 article bill will be submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
According to the draft study, regulations will be made to produce supplementary foods, which are currently under the control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, as they are considered food products, under the control of the Ministry of Health.
Considering that the substances contained in food supplements can cause health problems, especially in organs such as the kidneys and liver, the Ministry of Health will be authorized to determine which substances will be used in what proportions in the production of such supplements.
The Ministry of Health will inspect whether the content declared on the label of the food supplement is correct. The Ministry of Health will be the authorized institution to inspect whether the contents are correct during the production phase and after they are put on the market, and production permission will be obtained from the Ministry of Health.
NEW STANDARDS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR SMOKING AREAS CREATED BY PLACING OUTDOOR HEATER IN WINTER.
The "health package" will also include regulations regarding smoking. In this context, it is aimed to draw clear boundaries regarding smoking in public spaces and to clearly state the standards regarding smoking places.
Authorities pointed out that especially in the winter months, places such as cafes and restaurants put heaters in the areas reserved for smoking and cover them with retractable awnings, thus turning that area into an "indoor space", and emphasized that new standards will be set in this regard.
According to the draft regulation, the enterprise; Depending on the size of the place, a separate section or a completely open area where food and beverages are not served will be designated for smoking. There will also be a separate place reserved for non-smokers in the open areas of the venue.
DISTANCE LIMITATION AROUND SPORTS FACILITIES, HOUSES, HOSPITALS
In public areas, in hospital gardens and in front of emergency rooms; Smoking will not be allowed within a certain distance around places of worship, schools and sports facilities attended by children. Consultations are ongoing regarding how many meters this distance will be.
The definitions of open areas that will be open to smoking will be clearly defined.
IDENTITY SHOWING PRACTICE WILL BE MONITORED MORE TIGHTLY
Pointing out that criminal sanctions are imposed in case of violation of the rules regarding smoking, the authorities emphasized that emphasis will be placed on tightening and monitoring the controls. In this context, measures will be taken to more closely monitor the practice of showing identification in cigarette sales.
AGE AND DATE CRITERIA ARE NOT APPLICABLE
Authorities stated that "it is out of the question to introduce criteria such as year or date of birth" regarding the public news that smoking will be completely banned as of a certain date or that cigarettes will not be sold to people born after a certain date.
THE BANN ON THE SALE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES WILL CONTINUE
Authorities pointed out that the sale of electronic cigarettes is prohibited in Turkey and emphasized that this situation will continue and that permitting is out of the question.
THE OFFER MAY BE DELAYED DUE TO THE NEW YEAR DUE TO THE INTENSITY OF THE AGENDA
AKP officials stated that the issue of when the regulation will become law will be shaped according to the busy agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
The Turkish Red Crescent Bill is currently being discussed on the agenda of the General Assembly. In the Parliament, where the Foreign Digital Accommodation Platforms Bill is also on the agenda, it is planned to first pass the bill to be presented in the General Assembly regarding the payments to be made to those affected by the fund crisis and the liquidation of the funds.
On the other hand, discussions on the 2027 budget proposal will begin in the last week of October in the Planning and Budget Commission, and budget discussions, including the General Assembly, will continue until the end of December. Due to this busy agenda, it is stated that the discussions on the bill regarding the health package may be postponed until the new year.
THE SUGAR RATIOS IN BEVERAGES WILL BE REGULATED
On the other hand, another legal regulation is planned in the field of health, as obesity-related health problems have become widespread in recent years. In this context, it is considered to introduce a regulation regarding the sugar content in beverages and especially the use of starch-based sugars.
