Cookbook Recalled After Some of the Recipes Called ‘Unsafe’
Readers and foragers alike are up in arms over the publication of a cookbook that was released on May 15 by Rodale Books.
We’ve seen a lot of internet stars, from YouTubers to Instagramers, release published works over the past several years.
Some of these books do very well. For example, “Girl Online”, a novel by YouTube celebrity Zoe Sugg, became a New York Times bestseller.
But not all books written by internet icons are created equal. Reviewers have recently lashed out over a cookbook created by Instagramer Johnna Holmgren.
Holmgren’s Instagram account, @foxmeetsbear, has over 130K followers. Her account features photos of her woodland A-frame home, her children, and her earthy approach to cooking.
But some who purchased Johnna’s book, “Tales From a Forager’s Kitchen,” have spoken out about their disappointment in some of the recipes, calling them “dangerous” and potentially “harmful.”
One reviewer on Amazon gave the cookbook a 1 star rating, noting, “I can tell this author put a lot of love into this project. I am just disappointed that the author, editor, and publisher let so much [misinformation] about wild food ingredients be shared in this way.”
Though some reviewers praised Johnna’s work, calling the book “a step into an enchanted world” and “a gorgeous book that inspires adventure in the kitchen and beyond,” there’s been more than enough criticism to raise a red flag with the publisher.
BuzzFeed News reported that Rodale’s parent company, Crown Publishing, issued a statement for consumers and booksellers, asking them to “return their stock” and promising those who have already purchased a copy “a full refund.”
The statement noted that the publishing company holds a “dedication to wellness” and apologized for the “inconvenience to our booksellers and readers.”
In defense of the author, she does have a disclaimer on her website, Fox Meets Bear. In the disclaimer, which can be found on the site’s front page, Johnna urges readers to inform themselves before foraging and consuming raw foods.
“While I strive to be 100% accurate,” the disclaimer reads, “it is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects.”
“I am not a health professional, medical doctor, nor a nutritionist,” the statement continues. “It is up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed in this web site and any published content.”
As of today, “Tales From a Forager’s Kitchen” is still available for purchase on some retail sites. However, according to BuzzFeed News, Foundry Home Goods in Minneapolis cancelled an event that was to feature the native author and will not be offering the book for sale at this time.
Fox News reported that one of Holmgren’s recipes called for the use of raw morel mushrooms, a fungi that can apparently “lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain,” according to the Michigan Department of Community Health.
Still, the negative attention hasn’t seemed to faze the author, whose most recent post to Instagram last week featured her two precious daughters.
“The joy of being their Mom fills me up so much,” the caption says. Holmgren definitely seems to be looking at the positive side of a discouraging situation.
No further statements by Holmgren or her publisher have been reported at this time. Her dedicated followers appear to continue to support her with encouraging comments on her posts.
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