Don’t be fooled by cheap deals in Alanya and Antalya! It’s sold for a thousand lira per kilogram
As Ramadan Bayram approaches, baklava, a holiday favorite, is in high demand. However, experts have warned consumers who are looking to buy cheap baklava.
With the arrival of Ramadan Bayram, the issue of fraudulent products used in the production of baklava and their effects on health has come to the forefront. Kerim Üre, President of the Antalya Pastry Chefs' Association, and Ali Manavoğlu, President of the Antalya Food Engineers' Association, have warned consumers to be careful when buying cheap baklava.
NEGATIVE HEALTH IMPACTS
Kerim Üre pointed out that some producers, in order to reduce costs, use fraudulent products such as peanuts instead of walnuts, seed kernels, or glucose. Baklava made with such ingredients is sold on the market as "cheap baklava." Ali Manavoğlu emphasized the negative health effects of these fraudulent products and stated the following:
Excessive consumption of glucose can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Toxins such as aflatoxins, which form in walnuts and peanuts stored in unhygienic conditions, can lead to cancer. Synthetic food colorings in vegetables or other products used to replace peanuts can cause allergic reactions. Low-quality oils used to cut costs can also pose health risks.
MARKET PRICES
The price of walnut baklava on the market ranges from 400-600 TL per kilogram, while pistachio baklava costs around 800-1000 TL per kilogram. However, some businesses are selling baklava at prices far below or above these ranges. Kerim Üre warned that baklava sold for less than 400 TL might contain fraudulent products.
Experts advise consumers to pay attention to the following points when buying baklava for the holiday: shop from trusted pastry shops, bakeries, or sweet shops. Pay attention to the quality of the product and hygiene conditions. Avoid buying very cheap baklava, as it may risk your health. Check the contents of the baklava, especially for peanuts in walnut baklava. Be cautious about the potential use of food coloring in pistachio baklava.
