Meghan Markle's new cookery show "With Love, Meghan" debuted on Netflix, drawing keen viewers and immediate controversy over its food storage practices.
According to the Daily Mail, A scene from the third episode, sparking health concerns among viewers, was later clarified to show that the chicken involved was parboiled, not raw as initially thought.
The show, titled "With Love, Meghan," premiered on March 4 after a delay due to the Los Angeles wildfires. It features Meghan in a £5m estate near her Montecito home shared with Prince Harry, providing a personal glimpse into her cooking habits and practices.
In one episode, viewers immediately expressed concern over how the show stored food, particularly chicken. The sight of raw-looking chicken next to fresh salad leaves in the refrigerator caused an uproar regarding potential health risks.
The episode featured guest chef Roy Choi, who assisted Meghan in preparing Korean fried chicken. When a clip showed the chicken uncovered and not separated from other foods, it went viral. A social media user, @lillyinlondon, posted the clip on X (formerly Twitter), questioning these storage methods.
The post caught on quickly, garnering nearly 200 comments. Many users expressed their appallment, citing concerns about salmonella and improper food handling. Comments ranged from fears of cross-contamination to outright disgust about the cleanliness levels depicted.
One viewer remarked it was "disgusting that the meat was just sitting on the glass shelf," while others were worried about the smell and safety of such storage. "Hello salmonella, my old friend," mentioned another, highlighting the fear of foodborne illness that the image had spurred.
Misunderstandings regarding the chicken's preparation led to harsh critiques of Meghan's culinary expertise. Remarks online included critiques of her supposed ignorance of basic food safety, with one user stating, "She knows NOTHING about food prep."
As the episode continued, it was clarified that the chicken was parboiled. This meant that the meat was partially cooked, thus significantly reducing any risk of bacterial contamination that raw chicken could pose.
This clarification came too late to prevent the initial wave of negative reactions, but it served to ease the minds of those concerned about the potential health risks. However, the damage to public perception was already underway, sparked by the early misinterpretations of the food handling showcased.
The incident highlights the influence and repercussions that celebrity-led culinary shows can have on public perception. Even minor missteps or misunderstandings can lead to widespread criticism and debate over food safety practices.
Meghan Markle's venture into the culinary world with "With Love, Meghan" aims to share her passion for food and cooking. Despite the snags, the show provides insight into her culinary techniques and personal tastes, framed within the scenic backdrop of her living close to Montecito.
The situation resolved with a clearer understanding among viewers, though the initial reactions underscore the critical eye the public holds towards celebrity cooking practices. As the season progresses, viewers will determine whether it affects the show’s overall reception.
