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Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver stops using word ‘kaffir’ in recipes over racism concerns

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Stephanie McKennaThe West Australian
International celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has dropped the term “kaffir lime leaves” from his recipes over racist connotations tied to the word.
Camera IconInternational celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has dropped the term “kaffir lime leaves” from his recipes over racist connotations tied to the word. Credit: Freddie Claire

Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver has dropped the term “kaffir lime leaves” from his recipes and TV shows over the word’s racist connotations.

The ingredient comes from South-East Asia and is frequently used in curries to add a sour, zesty flavour.

However the term has historically been used as a racial slur in South Africa and will be replaced in favour of “lime leaves” in Oliver’s recipes.

The 46-year-old has already removed the term from his online recipe for quick chicken laksa and the Daily Mail reported that he has plans to edit all of his content.

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“I can confirm that we're also making the change - to lime leaves - and won't be using the term going forward. Historical recipe content will be reviewed accordingly,” a source close to Oliver said.

The 46-year-old has already removed the term from his online recipe for quick chicken laksa.
Camera IconThe 46-year-old has already removed the term from his online recipe for quick chicken laksa. Credit: Supplied

It comes after UK supermarket chains including Tesco and Waitrose banned the use of the word on their products.

Last week, Waitrose was the first supermarket to announce its plan to change the product name to avoid causing offence.

“This name change is a crucial step in recognising how important it is for us to listen to customers and educate ourselves when it comes to the language we use,” Waitrose grocery trading manager Helena Dennis said.

“While some of our customers may be unaware of the connotations of this particular word, it’s important to us that we avoid offending anyone who shops with us. It is changes like this that ensure we are moving forward.”

Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver has dropped the term “karrif lime leaves” from his recipes and TV shows over racist connotations.
Camera IconCelebrity Chef Jamie Oliver has dropped the term “karrif lime leaves” from his recipes and TV shows over racist connotations. Credit: Sam Robinson,

The limes aren’t the only product getting a change in the name of racial equality.

Nestle renamed Allen’s Lollies brands Red Skins and Chicos to Red Ripper and Cheekies and earlier in the year iconic dairy brand Coon Cheese announced it was changing its name to Cheer Cheese.

In the US, Uncle Ben’s and Aunt Jemima have overhauled their controversial imagery to promote equality following the police killing of George Floyd.

Originally published as Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver stops using word ‘kaffir’ in recipes over racism concerns

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