Turkish company Ulker’s owner denies health threat claims, vows to exit market if proven

One of the world’s largest food brands, Türkiye-based Ulker’s and U.S.-based Godiva’s owner, Murat Ulker, strictly refused allegations accusing his company of posing ‘public health threats’ through its food products, stating that Ulker would pull out of the market if the accusations could be proven.

Recognized as Türkiye’s wealthiest individual with a fortune of $5.2 billion, according to the Forbes 500 list, Ulker responded to claims on social media accusing the company of using harmful additives to maximize profits.

On his LinkedIn post on Monday, Ulker dismissed the accusations as mostly ill-intentioned or sensationalist, stating: “They exploit people’s vulnerabilities to demonize the food industry.”

‘Impossible to produce without additives’

Firmly rejecting the allegations, Ulker remarked, “Neither our faith, ethics, nor humanity would permit us to poison people, especially children. If there were such conclusive evidence, we would immediately close all operations, withdraw from the market, and do whatever is necessary for the happiness of people.”

Ulker also shared a blog post discussing the company’s food products’ contents, risks, and safety.

In his blog, Ulker emphasized that producing food without additives is nearly impossible, arguing that additives enhance product quality and positively impact public health when used correctly.

Ulker dismissed the concept of ultra-processed foods as fabricated, stating, “Food is not inherently healthy or unhealthy simply because it is ‘processed.’”

Ulker has been heavily criticized in recent years for allegations of low-quality food products with increased chemical additive use, raising public health concerns.