Honey firms fined for misleading consumers

ANKARA - Anatolia News Agency

A glut of honey ads are under government scrutiny as two firms are fined.

The Turkish Board of Advertisements has imposed a 155,500 lira administrative fine on two honey firms for deceiving consumers by using statements including “organic honey,” “awarded winning honey” and “honey: good for many illnesses” in their advertisements.

The board, under the Ministry of Customs and Trade found that the promotions the honey firms made for their products were deceptive in content.

The board fined Balçiçeği Gıda nearly 74,000 liras, and Anaarı Gıda 81,500 liras. The commercials and advertisements of both firms have also been stopped by the board.

Many complaints were lodged with the Board of Advertisements from citizens and the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, regarding the glut of honey advertisements on various T.V. channels and other media. Minister of Customs and Trade Hayati Yazıcı said yesterday that other honey advertisements were also under examination.