The Turkish Food Industry Employers' Union (TÜGİS), the representative of new generation unionism in our country, continues its pioneering role in social responsibility areas as well as its activities aimed at increasing the competitiveness of its members. In this context, TÜGİS and the Working Life Association, which participated in the "Strengthening the Capacity of Social Partners and Civil Society Organizations on Fundamental Principles and Rights in Working Life Project" financed by the European Union and implemented by the International Labor Organization (ILO), launched the "Big Futures for Small Hands: No to Child Labor" project.  The project aims to inform TÜGİS members and all stakeholders in the food ecosystem in accordance with ILO policies and international legislation on the prevention of child labour.

Agriculture, Industry and Service Sectors Lead

Making evaluations regarding the project TÜGİS Chairman of the Board Kaan Sidar, underlined that child labor continues to be a significant problem in Türkiye, both economically and socially. Defining child labor as the employment of individuals under the age of 18 in jobs that may negatively affect their physical, mental, social and moral development, Sidar stated that the reasons for this situation may include poverty, problems with access to education, being a refugee, family pressure and traditional roles. 

There Are 5 Thousand Child Workers Between the Ages of 17-720 in Türkiye

Kaan Sidar, who emphasized that according to statistics, the number of child laborers in the 5-7 age group in Türkiye is around 720 thousand, said, “Agriculture, industry and the service sector are the areas where child labor is most common. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO) and UNICEF report, 30,8 percent of working children in our country are in agriculture, 23,7 percent in industry and 45,5 percent in the service sector. Marginal jobs such as street vending are also included in this scope. While 79,7 percent of working children are in the 15-17 age group, 15,9 percent are in the 12-14 age group and 4,4 percent are in the 5-11 age group.”  

Sidar added, “When child labor is examined by gender, it is seen that 70,6 percent of working children are boys and 29,4 percent are girls. In short, this cycle that starts with the child’s labor turns into a vicious circle that takes away their development opportunities. This brings with it problems such as loss of education, health problems, developmental damages and risk of abuse.”  

“We will contribute to raising awareness against child labor”

Kaan Sidar, who also addressed child labor in terms of legal regulations, said, “Labor Law No. 4857 in Türkiye prohibits the employment of children under the age of 15, with some exceptions. Our country has become a party to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child by signing it. In addition, the Ministry of Family and Social Services is implementing various action plans in cooperation with the ILO. As TÜGİS, we will organize trainings and information programs by bringing together all stakeholders of the sector with a project we will carry out for 1 year with the Labor Life Association. We will also contribute to increasing social awareness with various printed materials and announcements we will make on social media.”

One in Every 13 Children in the World Works!

According to data from the International Labor Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, 138 million children in the world, in other words one in every 12 children, are currently working as child laborers. Almost half of these children work in hazardous jobs that affect their health and development (close to 40%) and their number reaches 54 million. 

When looking at the distribution of child labor by region, Africa has the highest number of child laborers, both in percentage and absolute numbers, with 86.6 million children (21.5%). The Asia-Pacific region comes second in absolute numbers: 3,1 million children with 27,7%. When looked at in terms of surface area, Latin America and the Caribbean region comes second with 5,5%. The rest of the child labor population is distributed among other regions.

Source: HORECA TREND and Turkish Food Industry Employers' Union (TÜGİS)

One of Türkiye's leading flour producers Eksun Food, continues its work with determination with the aim of adding value to both its sector and society. In line with this vision, the difficulties that celiac patients face in daily life were highlighted at the Celiac and Gluten-Free Life Summit organized by Eksun Gıda in Istanbul for the third time in cooperation with the Celiac Foundation. While celiac individuals from different cities of Türkiye shared their own experiences at the event, experts in the field conveyed the current aspects of gluten-free nutrition to the participants. 

“1 Million People in Türkiye Have Sensitivity to Gluten”

In his speech at the summit Pointing out that celiac disease is more common in society than thought Hasan Abdullah Özkan, President and CEO of Eksun Food Group“According to research, 100 out of every 1 people worldwide and in Türkiye has celiac disease. This means that approximately 1 million people in our country have serious sensitivity to gluten. In recent years, we have seen an increase in diagnosis rates thanks to increased awareness and screening opportunities. However, many people are still trying to live their lives without knowing that they have serious sensitivity to gluten proteins in grains such as wheat, barley and rye,” he said.

"“We Contribute to Increasing Social Awareness on Celiac Disease”

Stating that they see it as a social responsibility to support the access of individuals with celiac disease to gluten-free products that they can consume safely, Ozkan He said the following: “It is a vital need for individuals who have to eat gluten-free to have access to options that they can safely consume in every aspect of life. Significant progress has been made in the work carried out by the Celiac Foundation with public institutions. As Eksun Gıda, we have undertaken the main sponsorship of the foundation in order to further strengthen this process. In this way, on the one hand, we make the lives of individuals with celiac easier by offering special products, while on the other hand, we actively contribute to increasing social awareness,” he said.

“Access to Gluten-Free Products is as Necessary as Talking About Celiac Disease”

Celiac Foundation President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elif Bal Beşikçi Beşikçi stated that the safe and widespread provision of gluten-free products directly affects the quality of life of celiac patients. Beşikçi stated that gluten-free products have been made more accessible in the public sphere through projects implemented with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the private sector, and drew attention to the importance of steps to be taken in this area. The summit also featured panels organized with the participation of experts and individuals with celiac disease, where gluten-free nutrition, product development processes and public support were discussed in a multifaceted manner.

NO Gluten, Offers Both Flour and Snacks

Eksun Gıda produces special products for individuals with celiac disease under the brands Sinangil and Sinangil Gluten YOK., It pioneered this field by producing Türkiye's first packaged gluten-free flour in 2006. Again, with the Sinangil Gluten YOK brand, it offers a comprehensive gluten-free product range spanning a wide range of categories such as flour, bread, sweet and salty cookies, and snacks.

Source: HORECA TREND and Eksun Food