Turkish supermarket fined for misleading pesticide advertisements

The Ministry of Trade Advertising Board has imposed an administrative fine of 1,083,000 TL on a nationwide chain supermarket for misleading advertisements regarding pesticide use in produce.

Following inspections by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Antalya Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, 56 samples of fresh fruits and vegetables were collected from the retailer. Analysis of 15 samples—including seven tomatoes and eight peppers—revealed the presence of pesticide active substances. While these residue levels remained within the legal limits set by the Turkish Food Codex, the supermarket had used the claim “No pesticides detected” in its promotional materials.

The Advertising Board determined that these claims were deceptive, as they attempted to create the impression that the products contained no pesticide active substances at all. The Board ruled that such advertisements mislead consumers and violate principles of honest competition.