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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Strict vegetarian being asked to try meat

111 replies

PinkFeather · 16/10/2016 11:13

So, I am a strict vegetarian and have recently started a new job working in a kitchen. The job is wonderful except for one thing...the chef expects me to try meat/meat based products to make sure the flavouring is good.
The thought of trying meat makes me feel physically ill, I have no problem preparing and cooking it, I just don't eat it.
Am I right in thinking it is wrong to ask a vegetarian to do this?

OP posts:
Southallgirl · 16/10/2016 12:13

I've been vegetarian for over 40 years, but I am surprised that you did not sort this out before you took the job - especially as you knew you would be cooking meat? Some kitchens insist that several kitchen staff taste the food.

2kids2dogsnosense · 16/10/2016 12:15

Grrrrrr MEADOWS...there are many reasons for being a vegetarian. Not all of them are ethical.

THIS ^^^.

Some people can't digest meat; some find the texture repugnant; some don't like the taste.

OP is NOT a chef, despite what some posters seem to think; she was given the job after explaining that she wouldn't be prepared to taste meat dishes (not sure how this came up in interview though, unless it is sometimes expected of all kitchen staff - I must watch a few episodes of "Pie in the Sky" and see if that clarifies matters); she is okay with preparing meat.

I think the chef is just determined to have his own way on this.

squoosh · 16/10/2016 12:15

She did sort it out before she took the job.

Meadows76 · 16/10/2016 12:16

Grrrrr MEADOWS...there are many reasons for being a vegetarian. Not all of them are ethical.. Grrrrrr?? Lol.

IJustAteTheKidsFoodAgain · 16/10/2016 12:17

We need more information, is it the. He's throwing his weight around and being a bit bullying or is it that the chef was not at the interview and firmly believes this o be part of your job? Either way clearly YANBU given that you stated your vegetarianism at interview and it was confirmed at the time that it wouldn't be a problem. I've worked in kitchens before and never been forced to try food, it's been offered so I can taste test but I would certainly have said no and felt comfortable doing so if I didn't like the food I'm looking at anything with anchovies or mackerel

Starlight2345 · 16/10/2016 12:24

Can you be clear about what your job is?

If you are preping food then no why would you taste it?

If you are cooking meat to be honest I think it is the wrong job... I think go back to the guy who hired you..He may not of understood what is needed?

MrsJayy · 16/10/2016 12:28

A pp said that the chef is probably winding you up this is what i think too .

You are not a chef you are not cooking you dont need to taste anything if you are cooking ask somebody else to taste it im not sure why you are getting such a hard time you dont eat meat you are vegitarian not being awkward or fussy about this.

vegmum83 · 16/10/2016 12:37

Just say no, I don't eat meat, I've told you this before and please stop asking. He's probably just testing you to see if you'll cave and eat it, then he can feel smug.
It doesn't matter the reason you're vegetarian, that's your choice and they knew this when they employed you so you're doing nothing wrong.

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 16/10/2016 12:38

I also want to know why, if you're only prepping the food, the chef needs your input in the first place? If you're not actually cooking any of it, then you don't need to taste it, that's the chef's job, surely.

And as others have said, you tasting a meat dish wouldn't do it any favours because you'd just say it tasted awful even if you could stomach it in the first place!!

I think your chef IBU. But if he carries on, I would consider changing workplace.

squoosh · 16/10/2016 12:40

Chefs tend to be an unreasonable lot.

pointythings · 16/10/2016 12:40

Actually having read your OP again I don't think you are entirely U - you disclosed your vegetarianism and it sounds as if you aren't the chef. So possibly this guy is being deliberately provocative.

It also strikes me that as vegetarian, you aren't necessarily the best person to judge whether the meat tastes right. So I've changed my mind. Having a vegetarian DD might have something to do with that, I eat veggie more than 50% of the time because I eat what she's having. Sorry. Flowers

CancellyMcChequeface · 16/10/2016 13:04

YANBU. As a vegetarian for many years I'd just refuse to taste the meat in your situation. If you told them at interview that you're a vegetarian, and they hired you anyway, they shouldn't have a problem with it.

I also agree with other vegetarians on this thread - if I did taste a meat dish now, I'd have no idea whether it was good or not.

This chef is probably personally affronted that someone might choose not to eat meat (it sounds strange, but I've had a few people who really enjoy cooking act offended that I won't try their meat dishes, even after explaining that I've been a vegetarian for 18 years!) Whatever his reasoning, the problem is with him, not with you.

StealthPolarBear · 16/10/2016 13:06

" I am surprised that you did not sort this out before you took the job"
She did!

Nanny0gg · 16/10/2016 13:07

Doesn't prepping include prepping meat too?

MrsJayy · 16/10/2016 13:19

The op has no problem prepping meat just eating it which is fair enough.

noeffingidea · 16/10/2016 13:22

Nanny what if it does? Being vegetarian means not eating meat/meat products. It's got nothing to do with prepping it.

noeffingidea · 16/10/2016 13:24

Oh should have said, YANBU, OP, given that you were upfront at the interview and disclosed your position on tasting food containing meat.

BabyGanoush · 16/10/2016 13:27

Surely there is someone else in the kitchen sho can taste the meat for you?

MrsJayy · 16/10/2016 13:29

There will be somebody else the chef is just taking the piss to make a point imo

DixieWishbone · 16/10/2016 13:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Nanny0gg · 16/10/2016 13:37

noeffingidea

I ask, because the vegetarians I know can't even bear to touch it.

DistanceCall · 16/10/2016 13:37

If you have food restrictions, you have no business working in a (normal) restaurant kitchen. It's as simple as that.

squoosh · 16/10/2016 13:40

Tom Kerridge has a shellfish allergy and he's worked in many a normal restaurant kitchen. And done quite well.

itlypocerka · 16/10/2016 13:40

Yanbu as you said in the interview that you wouldn't. They gave you the job so this must be acceptable.

Simplify your position "there is no point in my trying any dish with meat in, as to me it will be disgusting to the point of wanting to throw up to have any bit of animal corpse in my mouth. I am not able to judge whether a bit of animal corpse tastes correct"

But vegetarianism is not a protected characteristic under discrimination legislation so you could lose your job over this.

StStrattersOfMN · 16/10/2016 13:53

I'm slowly turning vegetarian, as I develop an intolerance to different meats; I can't eat any red meat or pork, as it upsets my stomach, and fish and chicken do too. I'm ok with eggs atm, but v allergic to dairy. This time next year, I'll probably have attained full veganism.

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