Regulation and supervision of food supplement market

This study addresses the regulation and supervision of the food supplements market. In both legislation and practice, food supplements are considered as food. These supplements differ from drugs and other medical products. This difference stems from both the qualitative aspects and the regulatory and supervisory dimensions. However, distinguishing these products from one another is not easy, and practical challenges arise in this context. There is no exclusive law pertaining to food supplements and foods in general. The existing legislation is quite fragmented and contains deficiencies. This study highlights these shortcomings and offers recommendations for improvement or reorganization. Regulatory and supervisory issues should be approached from a holistic perspective. Considering that the deficiencies in this area can directly affect each other, actions should be taken accordingly. There should be clear and comprehensible regulations in the legislation regarding supervision. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for the supervision of food supplements. However, due to the Ministry's workload and the specific expertise required for this subject, it is necessary to establish an institution with broad powers and specialized expertise, either as an affiliated body of the Ministry or as a higher council. These regulations and supervisory activities are crucial for ensuring food safety. The state engages in supervision and control activities within the framework of legislative provisions to establish food safety and maintain public order. For comparison, this study also examines the regulations and supervisory structure related to food supplements in the European Union and Germany. Thus, it aims to observe and take examples from various activities and practices related to food safety outside our country.