TV chef Olia Hercules hits back at ‘double dipping’ criticism

A chef found herself at the centre of a social media furore after eagle-eyed viewers spotted her ‘double dipping’ live on television.

Olia Hercules was cooking on Chanel 4’s Sunday Brunch when viewers accused her of using the same spoon several times while tasting the sauce.

The London-based chef and author took to Twitter after the episode aired to hit back at critics, pointing out ‘the same thing happens every time you eat out.’

Olia Hercules was cooking on Chanel 4’s Sunday Brunch when viewers accused her of using the same spoon several times while tasting the sauce

The London-based chef and author took to Twitter after the episode aired to hit back at critics

The London-based chef and author took to Twitter after the episode aired to hit back at critics

The chef, who celebrates food from her native Ukraine in her award-winning cookbook, was demonstrating how to make her poussin tabaka in blackberry sauce. 

But some viewers noted she used the same spoon to taste the sauce before appearing to use it to serve the food. 

Jackie Jones tweeted: ‘Was a little put out that she triple dipped that spoon into her sauce after tasting her sauce from it. 

‘Short on time doesn’t mean infection control should be compromised.’

But mother-of-one Ms Hercules hit back: ‘To all those sending negative comments about spoon dipping – Live TV is super tough. You have to talk, cook, be charming and remember to wash hands after handling raw chicken! (which is key!) 

‘Then you keep talking & boom! The spoon thing slips your mind. Please be kind. Noone died.’ 

Nigella Lawson was among those who leapt to Ms Hercules' defence

Nigella Lawson was among those who leapt to Ms Hercules’ defence

The award-winning chef was demonstrating how to make her poussin tabaka in blackberry sauce

The award-winning chef was demonstrating how to make her poussin tabaka in blackberry sauce

Some viewers noted she used the same spoon to taste the sauce before appearing to use it to serve the food

Some viewers noted she used the same spoon to taste the sauce before appearing to use it to serve the food

She added: ‘Shock. Horror. PS if that is so outlandishly horrendous to you – you should never EVER eat out again. Anywhere. 

‘Because chefs are humans and they forget. You get it every time you eat out. Fact.

‘Everyone is human. You get more germs from touching stuff on public transport or money and then rubbing your face. 

‘Plus people have become way too scared of germs. the more sterile we become the stronger germs become.’

Nigella Lawson leapt to Ms Hercules’ defence, tweeting: ‘Oh per-lease! But then complaining makes some people bitterly happy. You and your food make us properly happy.’ 

Mrs Hercules has been contacted for comment. 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk