From The Tiffin Room
Originally published in South Wight Chronicle 4th March 2005.
The recent national press coverage on the withdrawal of foods containing carcinogenic food additives, such as Sudan I, will no doubt cause some concern among lovers of Indian Foods. Consequently there may be some fear about eating in Indian restaurants. As an owner of such a restaurant on this island, I would like to publicly demystify some of these fears.
In the production or consumption of foods, knowledge of the supply chain of ingredients is vital. Where pre-packaged foods such as sauces and pastes are used, the supply chains are complicated and sometimes impossible to trace. It is here that the consumer will have no control or knowledge of what they are consuming. When foods that are consumed taste similar, wherever you eat it, you can be sure that pre-packaged ingredients have been used.
It is precisely for this reason that The Tiffin Room at Bonchurch Manor does not and categorically avoids the use of pre-packaged products. We know the markets we buy from and only buy whole spices and fresh produce. All our spices are directly from Indian markets in Wembley, London and local island farms. These are then ground and mixed in our own kitchens, making it possible to prepare our own original and therefore fresh tasting food.
As a consumer of foods, it is important for people to seek information about the food, their sources and how they are prepared. Where it is possible to consume fresh food, people should take this option rather than opting for pre-packaged products.
Regards
Shuba Rao
(Proprietor)
The Tiffin Room at Bonchurch Manor