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An Italian chef in Brisbane, Australia, has been fired for refusing to put pineapple on pizzas, among other reasons. He went to the Fair Work Commission to fight his dismissal, but failed to get his job back. The chef stated that topping pizzas with the tropical fruit was an "insult to his culture". He claimed he was sacked from a restaurant in May after repeatedly refusing his boss's instructions to make pineapple and ham pizzas for diners. His employer contended that the refusal was one of several workplace issues. The commission rejected the chef's application because it was submitted after the deadline. The chef has since found a job at another Italian restaurant.
The question of whether pineapple belongs on pizza is a controversial one. It continues to divide public opinion. Pizza purists are aghast at the idea, but it is an established menu staple in many countries. The Hawaiian pizza was reportedly invented in Canada in 1962 after a chef used ham and pineapple as toppings. The restaurant owner expressed his opinion on it. He admitted that while the pizza was not his "absolute favourite," he would not "turn his nose up at it". Many restaurateurs insist that customers should be free to enjoy whatever ingredients and toppings they choose. Although the Hawaiian pizza is popular internationally, many Italians regard it as "culinary heresy".
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