Heston Blumenthal claims there are fewer female chefs at the top because of their biological clock

Renowned chef Heston Blumenthal has made some controversial statements about female chefs and their lack of presence at the top of the ladder.

The chef has claimed in a recent interview with Indian newspaper the Economic Times that female chefs aren’t reaching the same career highs in the industry as men because of their biological clocks and the difficulty lifting “heavy pots and pans” after childbirth.

“I think it depends on a lot of factors, including the culture in the country,” he said.

“I have always employed female chefs, but historically and ultimately, the body clock starts working. It’s evolution, and it is one thing to have a 9-5 job and quite another to be a chef with kids. So, that makes it difficult . [The physical strain of lifting] Heavy pots and pans…. But I think it is much better now that it was 15 years ago. This I can speak for.”

The chef, who has four kids has been ridiculed for his comments with many calling him out for his double standards as he has risen to the top of the industry as a chef who has children.

Blumenthal who runs the three Michelin-starred The Fat Duck in Bray, will soon make his Dubai debut at the new Royal Atlantis hotel also compared how women and men differ in the culinary industry.

“Earlier, to be a successful female chef in a male-dominated environment, you had to be tough as old boots. You had to fight harder. I know a few female chefs who have done very well.”

“The women are also fighting sexism,” he said, adding: “Quite frankly, men [chefs] have asked for this; they’ve brought it on themselves. The shock of women standing up for themselves is strong and men get really insecure.”

The 53-year-old chef has since received a lot of criticism over his comments on social media.

Heston and Marco Pierre White are pleased to announce their new partnership: Shit Spouters Ltd https://t.co/5vJl6gvc5a

— James Hansen (@jameskhansen) October 8, 2019