Masterchef man did not bite tongue

Offended MasterChef South Africa viewers took to social media yesterday to vent after Muslim contestant Ozzy Osman was not given halaal meat to prepare in Tuesday's episode.

But it was Osman who had chosen to use a cut of beef that was not halaal.

M-Net publicist Ingrid Engelbrecht said Osman had specifically chosen the piece of beef tongue because he had been inspired by his master class with chef Chris Erasmus of the Pierneef à la Motte restaurant last week and wanted to apply some of the techniques Erasmus taught.

"The cut that Ozzy chose was already cooked, meaning he would not have to taste it during the challenge. Ozzy was comfortable with his decision to cook with meat that was not halaal, while still managing to observe his religious beliefs by not tasting the meat.

"His dish turned out to be one of the best of the day," Engelbrecht said.

Osman posted a statement on his Facebook fan page earlier this month in which he praised MasterChefSouth Africa for providing him with halaal meat and challenges without alcohol.

"My religious beliefs were respected extensively throughout the competition. Taking part in this competition was not entirely for self-gain. My main objective was to broaden mindsets and views of people with religious and cultural backgrounds which are similar to mine.

"It is assumed that religious factors are restricting, whereas my experience would prove otherwise. A true South African experience promoting our cultural diversity and equality," he said.

But Twitter users said yesterday it was ridiculous and unfair that Osman had had to prepare meat that was haram.

Steph Traut tweeted: "I'm disappointed in MasterChef SA for not providing contestants with the option of halaal meat."

Divya Parshatom was shocked that the meat given to Osman was not halaal. "Pathetic planning on behalf of MasterChef. Blatantly ignoring cultural etiquette," she tweeted.

Nomfundo Ngcobo tweeted: "MasterChef is holding Ozzy back. Last week they had a skills thingy with pork, today the meat isn't halaal."

Engelbrecht said the show's production and culinary team worked with and consulted Osman throughout the series to ensure that his "beliefs were respected and catered for wherever possible, and that Ozzy would not find himself at a disadvantage in any challenge because of his beliefs".

"Ozzy used his discretion throughout the series and never cooked with, consumed or tasted ingredients that he was not comfortable with.

"For any contestant in the MasterChef kitchen, an environment similar to what one would find at a professional chef's school or a professional working kitchen is replicated as closely as possible in terms of available equipment and ingredients on any given day, so that they can expand their knowledge and expertise," Engelbrecht said.