French's mustard denies French connection
Last Updated: Thursday, March 27, 2003 | 10:32 PM ET
CBC News
"The only thing French about French's Mustard is the name," the company announced.
The mustard-maker said it felt obliged to hire a PR company to set the record straight after some media reports suggested it was dbeing – or should be – boycotted because of its "French" links.
A report on CNN apparently showed one restaurant replacing French's mustard with a Heinz product.
"For the record, French's would like to say there is nothing more American than French's Mustard," it said, referring to its New York origins.
The company pointed out that it got its name from its founder, Robert T. French. His mustard made its debut at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, along with the hot dog.
The semi-serious backlash against all things "French" started after France it said it would use its veto to block UN approval of the U.S.-led attack on Iraq. That outraged some in the pro-war camp.
Last week, Air Force One replaced "French toast" with "Freedom toast" on its menu.
Some U.S. restaurants have similarly replaced "French fries" on their menus with "Freedom fries."
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