Top Chef Canada Horse Meat Scandal

In the preview for next week’s episode of Top Chef Canada Andrea Nicholson draws a knife that says horse meat. The ingredient, part of a classic French cuisine challenge featuring Chef Daniel Boulud, has been stirring up controversy.

People are being called upon to complain to the Food Network in addition to the show’s sponsors that includes grocery giant Loblaws.

A Facebook Page called “Boycott Top Chef – Protect the Horses” has appeared.

The Top Chef Canada Facebook Page is full of comments from unhappy viewers.

A Google search using the keywords Top Chef Canada and horse meat reveals more public dissatisfaction over the equine ingredient on the show and will no doubt be making headlines in the next few days.

We were a bit surprised that there was not more outrage when Newfoundlander Todd Perrin served seal flipper in Episode 1. Remember Michaëlle Jean and the seal meat controversy?

Since our initial posting the Food Network Canada has issued a statement via Facebook explaining that they did not intend to offend,  how horse meat is a traditional French ingredient and "delicacy in many cultures."

"...Food Network Canada aims to engage a wide audience, embracing different food cultures in our programming..."

We also found out that next week is Horse Awareness Week.


P.S. What about us rabbits?


Update: Walking on Saint-Laurent and saw this sign in the trendy resto district (July, 8, 2011).

On the menu tonight: Horse Meat Tartare