‘Why Does Turkey Import Horse, Donkey and Mule Meat from Sudan?’

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Prof. Dr. Murat Arslan, the Executive Board Chair of the İstanbul Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons, has indicated that as part of a commercial and economic partnership agreement signed with Sudan, Turkey will import 500 tonnes of meat from the country.

Indicating that the edible offal of horses, donkeys, mules and hinnies will be imported from Sudan, Arslan has asked, "Then, where will the meat and offal to be imported from Sudan be used in Turkey?"

Arslan has made the following written statement about the issue:

'It is like black humor'

"There is no need for import, even for the one from the European Union (EU). Moreover, controls are not sufficiently conducted.

"The places of use of the meat to be imported are not indicated in the proposal. However, they can be used in making cat and dog food and the controls are not sufficient there, either.

"Horse meat is detected even in the food served at the Parliament. Offal products carry several diseases. How can precautions be taken for that? Moreover, Sudan's sale of healthy animal products needs to be inquired.

"Apart from a number of people who will benefit from that, everyone will object it. I hope that this incident is limited to the agreement and they will not be really imported. It is like black humor." (RT/SD)