Chefs who Bully Should be Stripped of Stars says Union

Unichef, the UK’s national chefs union, which is run by chefs, has asked its members to sign a petition aimed at stripping Michelin stars from restaurants where abuse takes place.

“The awarding of accreditations and/or sponsorship in a company’s name can no longer be deemed acceptable where the suffering and abuse of employees is taken so lightly,” said Brian McElderry, the union’s executive director in a statement.

“We also call for the Michelin and AA guides to consider rescinding stars and rosettes awarded to establishments that have serious abuse allegations proven against them.”

The Unichef petition calls for a change in kitchen culture and the end of toxic kitchen culture and systematic abuse with the final call to action reading: "Abuse is abuse... call it out Michelin...CALL IT OUT".

The petition follows the recent allegations that a culture of toxic behaviour, violence and instances of sexual assault were reported in restaurants led by Scottish chef Tom Kitchin, of Michelin-starred Kitchin in Edinburgh.

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Chef Asma Khan, a campaigner for kitchen culture change and the owner of Indian restaurant Darjeeling Express in London, tweeted: "A question for@MichelinGuideUK- Do you have a code of conduct for a restaurant/chef you award a star to?"

Food critic Jay Rayner also tweeted, supporting the story run in The Times, with chefs exposing the toxic culture at Kitchin's restaurants. "This Times story (paywall, but 2 stories free if you register) has corroborated testimony by hugely brave individuals of the environment in @tomkitchin's restaurants. Respect to @palebackwriter for the reporting here and getting this out."

Kitchin's comments that "top kitchens the world over can be high-pressure, frenetic and challenging environments, where emotions often run high," where "the exacting standards of our food and service must be matched by the standards of behaviour in our kitchens and wider operations" have been met with scorn, shock and disbelief by Kahn. "Is this the apology??? Or did I miss it?," she posted, echoing the thoughts of a host of chefs and industry professionals.

It awaits to be seen if, and how, Michelin will respond to the demand.

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Bully Chefs' Restaurants Should be Stripped of Stars says Union

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