A man eating at the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality’s soup kitchen discovered a foreign object in his meal and filed a complaint with the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, sparking an investigation into allegations that horse meat was served to the public.
An examination by the Ministry’s Food and Control General Directorate revealed the object to be an electronic identification chip belonging to Smart Latch, a racehorse that previously competed at the Adana Yeşiloba Hippodrome. Subsequent laboratory analysis of the meal confirmed the presence of meat from a single-hoofed animal.
The Ministry announced on March 12 that its list of adulterated products included the soup kitchen’s kavurma (a traditional Turkish meat dish), indicating the presence of this type of meat. The incident raises concerns about food safety protocols and oversight within municipal programs.
LAST RACE BEFORE BEING PULLED FROM COMPETITION
The 4-year-old English racehorse, Smart Latch, last raced on October 14, 2025, at the Adana Hippodrome, finishing seventh. He was subsequently withdrawn from competition due to a small fracture in his leg.
“I was devastated when I heard the news,” said Suat Topçu, the horse’s owner.
Topçu explained that racehorses that experience declining performance or injuries are often given to riding clubs or care centers free of charge. “Smart Latch was in pain during his last sprint, so we pulled him from the race. We were looking for a safe place to care for him. I learned he had been sent to a riding facility in Osmaniye. I was devastated to hear this news. We want a full investigation.”
Topçu also stated the need for a more permanent and secure system for retired racehorses.
MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS
The Mersin Metropolitan Municipality issued a written statement saying that the meat served at the soup kitchen was obtained through an open bidding process and delivered pre-cut.
The statement further indicated that the meat was received with slaughter reports and veterinary inspections, and the entire process was monitored with camera recordings and official documentation. Following the allegations, the municipality said it requested additional laboratory analysis and launched an internal review.
The municipality emphasized that all procedures were carried out in accordance with current regulations and that public health is a top priority.
