Türkiye’s Agriculture Ministry exposes food fraud: Zebra meat claims spark debate

Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has released a new list identifying companies involved in food fraud, raising public awareness about products posing health risks. The latest update, available on the ministry’s official website, includes dozens of new products and producers.

Among the many concerns, one surprising term has sparked a social media storm: zebra meat. But is there any truth to this claim?

Adulterated products on rise

According to the ministry, various foods marketed to consumers continue to include undisclosed or substituted ingredients. The investigation revealed cases where single-hoofed animal meats, such as horses, donkeys, pigs, zebra, and hybrids, have been used in place of lamb and beef.

Other instances include cheese products lacking real milk, doner meat with substitute cuts instead of a genuine tongue and seed oils mixed into products labeled as olive oil.

Is zebra meat really present in Türkiye’s food supply?

While zebra falls under the “single-hoofed animal” category in the ministry’s classifications, there is no evidence that zebra meat is used in food products in Türkiye.

Misinterpretations of this label led to a wave of social media speculation, making zebra meat one of the top trending topics. However, the ministry’s official lists confirm no such cases of zebra meat tampering.

For more updates, consumers can access the detailed findings at “guvenilirgida.tarimorman.gov.tr“