A Turkish proposal to impose strict guidelines on doner kebabs in the EU has been withdrawn. The bid sought a “Traditional Speciality Guaranteed” label that would have restricted the types of ingredients used, significantly impacting Germany’s kebab industry, which has evolved significantly from its original Turkish roots. Turkish authorities contended that the doner kebab should be recognized as a national dish that migrated to Europe alongside Turkish migrants, while German officials argue that the local adaptation has become a part of their own culinary tradition.

The proposed regulations by Turkey’s International Doner Federation (Udofed) included specifications on meat sourcing, thickness, and marinade guidelines. The traditional cooking technique dates back to the 16th century, leading to disputes over what constitutes an authentic kebab. The Turkish federation did not consult Germany’s kebab sector, prompting backlash supported by the German government, which expressed astonishment at the attempt. Former German food minister Cem Özdemir emphasized that the way doner kebabs are prepared in Germany should be determined domestically.

The application, which generated significant objections, was officially withdrawn on September 23. It had the potential to affect a major industry dominated by the Turkish diaspora, employing around 60,000 people in Germany alone, with annual sales exceeding €3.5 billion across Europe. An EU official indicated that the bid was likely heading towards rejection.



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