Whitehall accused of culinary prejudice over coconut ban
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.First there was the alleged conspiracy orchestrated in Brussels against bendy bananas and wonky cucumbers. Now, not to be outdone, Whitehall has embarked on a campaign of culinary prejudice of its own with a decision to persecute starchy yams and fatty coconuts.
The two vegetables, both staples in the Caribbean diet, have been excluded from the Government's "five-a-day" healthy eating campaign for fresh fruit and vegetables along with the cassava.
Hazel Blears, the Public Health minister, said the foodstuffs, often added to meat dishes, stews and soups, should not feature on the list of approved foods used as a guide to parents and school cooks.
Campaigners condemned the decision as racist, pointing out that while the trio, which are widely used in West Indian and African cuisine, were excluded, British crops such as carrots and turnips remained.
Milena Buyum, of the National Assembly Against Racism, said: "These are vegetables that people in the Afro-Caribbean community eat on a daily basis. The Government is ignoring an essential part of society."
Chris Grayling, the Conservative health spokesman, condemned the policy as "bananas".
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments