Turkish application for EU regulations on Doner hits rejection in Berlin
An application of Turkey for the recognition of "Döner Kebab" as a "guaranteed traditional specialty" by the European Union encounters rejection in Berlin. The application was "taken note of with some surprise," a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture stated. The Turkish requirements do not correspond to the standards of German gastronomy, which would result in "enormous" economic consequences.
Third countries can file an application for protection and registration of product designations in the EU. Turkey has done so for the designation "Döner." In the Turkish application, the use of veal and young cattle meat, as well as poultry meat, is excluded, as the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture explained. However, this is common practice in Germany and also described in the guidelines for meat and meat products in the German Food Code for the product designation "Döner Kebab."
"If the unaltered Turkish application were accepted, an intervention in the German market with discernible economic effects would be expected," the ministry stated. Döner, as produced and sold in Germany, is "not only a very popular dish, but also an important income source for many citizens of our country."
In accordance with the prescribed EU procedures, the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE) has lodged an objection with the EU Commission, the ministry further explained. The Brussels authority is now examining this and may initiate a "consultation procedure." In this context, Germany and Turkey would have to come to an agreement.
The German Döner caused diplomatic friction in April. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier traveled to Turkey with a Döner kebab skewer from Berlin for a state visit. The gesture was intended as a recognition of the contributions of Turkish migrants in Germany, but it did not go down well in Turkey with everyone.
Despite Turkey's application to the EU for protecting the "Döner" designation, excluding veal and young cattle meat, its practices do not align with German gastronomy standards. This discrepancy could lead to significant economic consequences if the Turkish application is accepted. Germany, through its Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food, has raised objections to this application within the EU procedures, initiating a potential consultation process between the two countries.
