HOW TWO LOCAL EXPERT CHEFS REFINED THEIR MENUS TO ‘FEED PEOPLE WELL

Culinary Director for Miramar Group Hong Kong, Sheldon Fonseca, further encouraged the audience to reflect on the quality of the food we consume, by considering the production of the humble hen’s egg – promoting the importance of sourcing cage-free. “Although eggs are our cheapest form of protein, not all eggs are created equal, says Fonseca.” Whilst organic and free range eggs are also bursting with vitamins and minerals, caged eggs are thirty five times more likely to carry the bacteria salmonella. These nutritional facts may not be surprising if we consider that free range and organic farms allow their hens better quality feed and increasing levels of access to outdoor space, so they may enjoy light and air and express natural behaviours such as foraging and dust bathing. In contrast, caged hens are subjected to tight overcrowding, limited space, often shockingly reduced to the size of just one sheet of A4 paper, with cages frequently left soiled by the hens own waste. Companies and brands seeking to respond to growing consumer concern for animal welfare, by distancing themselves from such practices and demonstrating a positive brand commitment to food quality, may take simple steps to work with suppliers and transition towards cage free, free range or best of all, organic eggs.

Both speakers shared encouraging messages to members seeking to advance how they feed people well. ‘By finding the right company balance and then the right support, it is possible to start small – perhaps with cage-free breakfasts for example and then explore further to discover what is feasible’ says Sheldon. At Fivelements Habitat the aim is to minimise distraction to gently reconnect people with their food, by bringing their attention to their plate. No doubt it is easier for customers to eat well if they are eating mindfully. Ultimately, according to Chef Arnaud when health is the objective, it makes it easier for an organisation to do the right thing.’

With the support of our valuable sponsor Eat the Kiwi, we were also delighted to launch our updated cage-free egg toolkit at this month’s Meet-Up! Check out our short animated version by clicking here, and Food Made Good Members can get the full version on the Community. Check out the video here. https://lnkd.in/eF98UEU