NEWS

As a member of the Sustainable Food Platform, Muratbey has been implementing innovative sustainability projects at all stages of the supply chain, from production to consumption, to reduce waste. On the occasion of the 29th of September, Global Food Loss and Waste Awareness Day, Muratbey called on consumers to take action.

93 Kilograms of Food Wasted Per Person Annually in Turkey

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 7.7 million tons of food are wasted annually in Turkey, equating to 93 kilograms of food thrown away per person each year. Globally, 17% of all consumer-level food is discarded without being touched, with 61% of food waste coming from household waste, 26% from the service sector, and 13% from retail.

Using Resources Wisely for a Better World

Highlighting the alarming statistics regarding food waste, Gülnur Uluğ noted, “The waste happening in our country also leads to significant wastage of resources such as water, soil, energy, labor, and capital, and contributes to global warming and climate change. We must plan and use our resources wisely because leaving a more livable world for future generations is our most important responsibility.”

Our Goal is to Ensure Consumers Obtain Accurate Information

Uluğ emphasized the importance of combining food waste statistics with hunger data. She stated, “This situation emphasizes the urgency of reducing food loss and waste. At Muratbey, we are working to ensure consumers are well-informed and raise awareness. Together with our stakeholders, we continue our efforts both domestically and internationally to prevent food loss and waste. As Co-Chair of the Responsible Consumption and Healthy Nutrition Group under the Sustainable Food Platform, our primary focus is to work towards ensuring that consumers gain accurate information and raise awareness. In this regard, we collaborate with expert consultants and support our efforts through university partnerships to help develop healthier generations.”

What to Consider When Consuming Cheese

Muratbey has shared key tips on how to avoid food waste in kitchens, which are a critical part of the food supply chain. Properly storing cheese, which is rich in calcium and protein, is essential for preserving its vitamins and nutritional value. As a delicate and perishable food, cheese can be stored for a longer period without losing its nutrients and flavor by following a few simple guidelines.

For cheeses like Burgu, Topi, Sürmeli, and Misto, which are sold in brine, it’s essential to ask for the brine to be added to the package when purchasing from open deli counters. By keeping these cheeses in their brine at home, they can be preserved for a longer period without losing their nutritional value.

When buying cheese, ensure it is stored in cold refrigerators at the point of sale. Cheese stored in unsuitable conditions, such as outside the refrigerated units or in places where the temperature is not appropriate, can spoil quickly. Avoid purchasing cheese that is stored in such conditions.

Check the packaging of the cheese for any damage and avoid buying cheese near its expiration date if you do not plan to consume it immediately.

When consuming cheese, only remove as much as needed from the package, and store the remaining cheese in its original packaging. If there is leftover cheese on the table, do not place it next to the cheese in the refrigerator in its original packaging. Instead, store it in a separate container to avoid spoilage from cheese that has been left out at room temperature.

If you do not plan to consume cheese immediately, keep it in whole pieces rather than slicing it. This minimizes exposure to air and helps preserve its freshness.

Avoid wrapping cheese like cheddar in cling film. This can trap moisture between the film and the cheese, which can cause the cheese to mold.

For white cheese, store it in its brine to maintain its taste. If the brine level drops, add fresh water to the jar.

Cheeses like Muratbey Burgu, Topi, and Sürmeli, which are sold in brine, should be stored in their brine even after the package is opened. This prevents the cheese from drying out and spoiling quickly.

For grilling cheeses like Muratbey's, it's important to soak them in warm water for 15 minutes before frying to remove excess salt and reveal their true flavor. Grilled cheeses that are not served hot tend to harden and may be wasted.

Cream cheeses should always be stored in their original packaging with the lid tightly closed. When serving, only remove the amount needed and keep the lid sealed to ensure the cheese stays fresh in the refrigerator.