<![CDATA[Background: Food and drug labels are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals, particularly for those with allergies or specific health conditions. In Turkey, these labels are exclusively written in Turkish, which may pose challenges for non-Turkish speakers. Objectives: This study explores the impact of the Turkish-only labeling system on food and medication accessibility for non-Turkish speakers and its broader implications. Methods: A questionnaire-based study was conducted targeting non-Turkish-speaking individuals, including foreign residents and tourists. The survey assessed their experiences and challenges when purchasing food and medication with Turkish-only labels. Results: The study showed that 58.8% of participants encountered difficulties understanding the terminology on food and medication labels. Consequently, 80.2% chose to bring their own food and medications from their home countries, and many preferred shopping at stores where staff could speak their native language or a language they understood. Furthermore, 32.3% of tourists indicated that the lack of a second language on labels would influence their decision to revisit Turkey. Conclusions: The findings highlight the significant barriers posed by the Turkish-only labels. Introducing a secondary language on food and medication labels could significantly enhance accessibility for non-Turkish speakers. This modification would not only improve the experience of foreigners but could also positively affect their perceptions and encourage revisits, benefiting the local economy.]]>
