Çankırı Rock Salt

Çankırı is a geographical indication for rock salt extracted from the Çankırı Rock Salt Cave, located in the Central District of Çankırı Province, which includes the salt mines of Potuk, Balıbağı, Yenidoğan-1, Yenidoğan-2, Germece, and Ovacık-1. This salt is used as grinding salt. The product’s history dates back to the Hittite period around 3000 BCE. During the Ottoman Empire, it was nationalized in 1278 AH (1861 CE) and began to be operated by the state. Registration was completed on 06.06.2023.

Product Characteristics

Çankırı rock salt differs from other salts due to its origin in ancient sedimentary rock formations, aged between 37 and 24 million years, deposited in former river and lake environments. The salt extracted from this rock layer, approximately 200–300 metres thick, is unrefined, not bleached, and contains no added iodine. Due to the absence of calcium carbonate, it does not have a dull appearance; instead, it exhibits a glass-like and transparent appearance. Its structure is fragmented crystalline.

The chemical composition of the product contains at least 97% sodium chloride (NaCl) by dry matter and no more than 0.5% moisture. Calcium and magnesium contents are limited to a maximum of 0.1%. Levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, copper, lead, cadmium, and mercury are within the limits specified in relevant regulations. The particle size is adjusted so that 100% of the grains pass through a 4000 µm sieve, while no more than 10% pass through a 1000 µm sieve. The product is marketed in packaging that is moisture-resistant and suitable for food contact, with a net weight not exceeding 500 grams.

Production Method

The production process begins with the extraction of crystalline rock salt from the salt mines within the cave.

• Extraction is carried out using the drill-and-blast method in approximately 70% of operations.
• Clayey portions of the extracted crystalline rock salt that are unsuitable for table salt use are removed.
• Cleaned rock salt fragments are crushed using equipment suitable for food contact and then sieved.
• The grinding process is calibrated so that 100% of the grains pass through a 4000 µm sieve and no more than 10% pass through a 1000 µm sieve.
• No refinement, bleaching, or iodine addition is performed on the product.
• The product is packaged in moisture-resistant and food-safe packaging with a net weight not exceeding 500 grams.
• The label clearly states that it is grinding salt for table use and that no iodine has been added.

Geographical Boundary and Control

The geographical boundary of Çankırı rock salt encompasses the Çankırı Rock Salt Cave located in the Central District of Çankırı Province, including the salt mines of Potuk, Balıbağı, Yenidoğan-1, Yenidoğan-2, Germece, and Ovacık-1. Monitoring is conducted under the coordination of the Çankırı Municipality by a control body consisting of at least three members. This body is composed of one expert each from the Çankırı Directorate of Industry and Technology, the Çankırı Union of Craftsmen and Tradespeople, the Çankırı Directorate of Trade, the Çankırí Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Çankırı Municipality. Monitoring is carried out regularly once a year, as well as whenever necessary or in response to complaints.

The monitoring criteria are as follows:

• Appropriateness of the salt mine from which the salt is extracted,
• Compliance of the product with respect to sodium chloride (%NaCl) content, moisture level, and particle size,
• Compliance with the specified production method,
• Compliance with packaging and storage conditions,
• Proper use of the designation "Çankırı Rock Salt", its logo, and geographical indication emblem.

The control body may consult experts or procure services as needed during inspections.