France Bans Ketchup in School

You say catsup, I say ketchup ... but the French say it's simply banned. That's right, if you love ketchup in France, and you're in school, then you're out of luck.

In an effort to promote healthy eating (and to protect traditional French cuisine), the French government has (largely) banned ketchup from school and college cafeterias:

"France must be an example to the world in the quality of its food, starting with its children," said Bruno Le Maire, the agriculture and food minister.

Ronald Reagan's White House may have considered ketchup — made famous by Henry John "H J." Heinz, who produced the first bottle in 1876 — a vegetable. But Gallic gastronomes view it with the same disdain as American television series, English words and McDonald's restaurants: unwelcome cultural impostors.

Jacques Hazan, president of the Federation of School Pupils' and College Students' Parents Councils, told the Times of London that the new regulations are a "victory."

Kim Willsher of the Los Angeles Times reports: Link


Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

I've just read the decree in question from the website of the french ministry of agriculture (to which no articles ever link btw), and found ONE mention of ketchup, between parentheses, cited as an example of a sauce, along with vinaigrette and mayonnaise.
The decree states that SAUCES will no longer be available in self-service, but will be served in accordance with the dish.

Knowing that, read the LA Times article again, and try to quantify the stupidity of its author. This is not the french government blaming America, it's american media trying to appeal to some anti-french sentiment that I've become increasingly aware of since expatriating myself.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
It's perfectly fine to criticize the US, and admittedly, I don't eat much McDonald's myself (I find it to be the poorest quality fast food out there).

What usually irks me is the fact that it seems that most countries blame their weight issues on the US. That seems like scapegoating to me. If I get fat from drinking soda, it's not the soda's fault, it's mine for drinking it in the first place.

France has every right to do what they wish within their schools and government, it's a free world (for the most part, lol). I find that most articles like this seem to be written in the guise of everything being America's fault. Getting fat from sugary foods is n't anyone's fault except those consuming the food in the first place.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
@ Sandman

And the United States of America was founded by Europeans. True but beside the point. A hamburger is just ground meat according to the dictionary, nothing wrong with that. A McDonalds "meal": not quite the same thing.

There is at least one McDonald's in every city in my country. Most soft drinks are produced by Coca-Cola (they offer more than 500 brands in over 200 countries according to Wikipedia) or some other American company. The same goes for potato chips or all sorts of other candy. Examples: PepsiCo,Frito-Lay, Pringles, Mars etc.

>> "Soft drinks with more sugar than water"
Not possible, regular soda is 90% water, diet is 99%


I admit I was exaggerating. If it really had more sugar than water it would not even be liquid. You got me on that one.
One can of soda has the equivalent of 10 sugar cubes. (Link.) Happy?

Also it seems like it is OK to criticize any country but not the USA. Sorry for not knowing the rules.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
What's with all the anit-French ire? I say, good for them for wanting to protect their culinary history. I grew up in Europe, and have lived in the US for 16 years, and boy, do I miss the kind of "fast food" you'd get overseas. And I've been to France countless times - I've never encountered any anti-American sentiment. So I repeat, what's with all the hate?
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
To prove my point:

French fries - Belgium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_fries
Hamburgers - Germany
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamburger#Invention
Sugar-based candies (Ages old)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy

"Soft drinks with more sugar than water"
Not possible, regular soda is 90% water, diet is 99%
http://blog.fooducate.com/2010/05/11/logigfail-sodapop-is-90-water-the-most-important-nutrient/

Check your facts before you shoot off your mouth next time.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"France Bans Ketchup in School"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More