A French government decree came into force yesterday in the majority of primary school canteens. The villian of the peace, tomato ketchup.
This usurping condiment is to be rationed in primary schools so that the children remain French and baguettes will be distributed in unlimited quantities as a result.
The French governments aim is to combat obesity in the 6.7 million French primary school pupils and to stop the attack of US style snack foods which are threatening what purists claim are part of their ancestral culture.
“Canteens have a public health mission but also an educative mission,
We have to ensure that children become familiar with French recipes so that they can hand them down to the following generation,” said Christophe Hébert, chairman of the National Association of Directors of Collective Restaurants “They need to know that in France, food means conviviality, sharing and having a good time at the table.
What it does not mean is covering your blanquette de veau or your boeuf bourguignon with ketchup or mayonnaise, he said"
It is interesting to note that France is the largest consumer of McDonalds outside of the USA.
There is also the insidious creep of HP sauce from the Union Jacked isles in so many French super marches, this potential enemy within, maybe such expat delights will eventually end up as “under the counter contraband”.
So for all the foodies who travel the length and breadth of France hoping to experience all of its culinary delights, do it now! Before it all tastes like chicken in tomato sauce.
“under the counter contraband” -love it!!