Proteins other than milk protein have been banned in cheese production

Turkey has banned the use of non-milk proteins, starch and starch-based products, gelatin, soy products, and animal or vegetable fats other than milk fat in cheese production, according to a new regulation reported in the Turkish press. The rule effectively restricts cheese makers to milk protein and milk fat as the core ingredients, targeting common extenders and substitutes used to cut costs or alter texture. The change matters for dairy processors, importers of soy and starch inputs, and retailers who will need to verify labels and reformulate affected products. What to watch next is how the regulation is enforced and whether manufacturers reformulate, relabel, or discontinue products that no longer qualify as cheese.