U.S. CHEFS READY TO `POUPON' MUSTARD TARIFF

U.S. CHEFS READY TO `POUPON' MUSTARD TARIFF

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wireless Flash) -- The United States is considering placing a tariff on imported French mustards -- but the idea isn't cutting the mustard with American chefs. Some industry watchers say the price for a jar of imported French mustard could double if the tariff is instituted. Chef Jeffrey Buben, who owns two restaurants in Washington, D.C., predicts prices will rise substantially at fancy restaurants that use lots of Dijon and other French mustards. This may seem like "mustard do about nothing" but it's a serious issue to Barry Levenson, curator of the Mustard Museum in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. He predicts the tax could cripple the beef industry because consumers will stop buying beef if they're not allowed to put the mustard they choose on it.

CONTACT: Jeffrey Buben, ***; Washington, D.C.; (202) 661-2700; Barry Levenson, ***1/2; Mount Horeb, WI; (608) 437-3986