12.2.1. Ethical sourcing policy

Middle East Technical University (METU) enforces an official, institutional Policy on Ethical Sourcing of Food and Supplies, binding across all campus facilities, central dining halls, social building venues, and third-party private contractors. Mandated via the METU Sustainable Campus Procurement Guidelines and the METU Cafeteria Directorate Principles, the policy commits the university to sourcing food produced through sustainable agricultural and marine methods, protecting workforce fair-trade conditions, prioritizing local producers, expanding plant-based/vegan choices, and systematically reducing food waste across all preparation and service phases.

1. Scope of Ethical Sourcing & Procurement Directives

As published on the official METU Sustainability Portal (sustainablecampus.metu.edu.tr/en/policies), METU’s procurement rules codify explicit ethical and environmental standards:

• Sustainable & Local Sourcing Commitments: METU commits to ensuring that all food consumed within the campus—to the extent possible within budgetary limits—is produced using sustainable land and marine methods. Procurement prioritizes local regional producers to minimize transport emissions and support rural economies.
• Workforce & Ethical Labor Standards: Sourcing guidelines strictly evaluate the conditions of the workforce involved in production, ensuring fair labor standards and ethical human rights compliance throughout the supply chain.
• Universal Campus Extension (Third-Party Vendors): The ethical sourcing policy extends beyond university-owned facilities (Central Cafeteria, Social Buildings) to include all independent restaurants, commercial cafes, and third-party food vendors operating within campus boundaries.

2. Legal Quality Framework & Supplier Standards

All food and material procurements comply with stringent national legal regulations and international safety certifications:

• Public Procurement Compliance: Executed strictly under Public Procurement Law No. 4734, the Turkish Food Codex Regulation, and Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) criteria.
• Mandatory ISO 22000 Certification: All commercial food suppliers and contractors serving METU are legally required to fulfill ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System accreditation.

https://kafeterya.metu.edu.tr/odtu-kafeterya-mudurlugu