Swedish retailer IKEA apologized after causing backlash over the new jerk chicken entree that was recently added to their U.K. menu. The problem? The traditional Caribbean dish was served with white rice and green peas, which is not what normally comes with the dish in its country of origin.
Online blog Phresh said it was cultural appropriation “come to life” and ”the Swedish [furniture] company took what is probably the most [popular] Jamaican dish [and], well… white washed it.”
Ikea seem to have a new dish of jerk chicken 🤨with rice and GREEN PEAS.
More commonly referred to as Fückerjïē in store.
Big Mama in soul food did not die for this. Uncle Ben and Aunt Jemima didn’t suffer for this culinary appropriation. Why IKEA? Why? #ikea pic.twitter.com/opKqsI21Ec
— Dane Baptiste 👊🏾♥️👨🏾🚀🌍 (@DaneBaptweets) September 12, 2019
Now, people should know better than to order Caribbean food at the Scandinavian eatery…ijs 🤣 https://t.co/22spvwqHGz
— Lisa Branscomb (@LifeBliss_Lisa) September 14, 2019
IKEA formally apologized and took the dish off their menu.
IKEA is a Swedish home furnishing company with a much-loved food offer. We take inspiration from many countries around the world and have always worked to combine different flavors and ingredients to offer delicious, healthy and affordable dishes. … We’re aware that our new jerk chicken, served with rice and peas has created some conversation and in some cases offense. Our intention was to create a dish for many people to enjoy but we appreciate that we may have got it wrong. We apologize and we are now relooking at the dish.