The Fourth Annual SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners Chef Splendido Contest Awards Up-and-Coming Latino Chef

McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, worldwide marketer of SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners, today named Mynor Mendizabal, a student of the Culinary Institute of America as the winner of the 2008 SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners Chef Splendido contest. Mynor’s Tres Leches for Two reflects his healthier interpretation of a traditional Latino dessert which replaces the recipe’s sugar content with SPLENDA(R) Sweetener Products.

Mynor, a student of the Culinary Institute of America, competed with three other finalists for the prestigious title of Chef Splendido. Mynor also won $5,000 in cash and a mentorship opportunity with a nationally recognized Hispanic chef associated with the Spanish-Speaking Chefs Association.

“I’m honored to be selected as the 2008 SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners Chef Splendido and to be recognized among such great competition,” stated Mynor. “While there are numerous cooking contests, it’s encouraging that this contest specifically looks to recognize up-and-coming Latino chefs and support the advancement of Latinos in the culinary profession and introduce lower calorie alternatives to our community.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hispanics are well represented in the culinary workforce with more than half — 54 percent — working as cooks and food preparers. Yet, less than 20 percent hold executive chef positions. The Chef Splendido contest supports aspiring Hispanic and bi-lingual (English/Spanish speaking) talent with a passion for healthy, Latino cuisine. In addition, the contest yields reduced-calorie alternatives with less sugar to traditional Latino dishes that do not sacrifice taste. This is an especially important consideration for this community given the high incidence of obesity and diabetes.

The event and judge’s panel were hosted by nationally acclaimed Chef Lorena Garcia. Additional judges included Chef Rafael Palomino, Executive Chef and founder of The Spanish Speaking Chef’s Association of America, and Wanda Negron, Editor for Kena Magazine. Each entry was evaluated based on four criteria: taste, originality, creativity and visual appeal.

“I’ve been involved with the SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners Chef Splendido contest for a number of years and I’m particularly excited about the caliber of talent representative of our finalists this year,” said Chef Lorena Garcia. “Unlike other contests, this program helps to really showcase the in-roads Latinos are making in the executive culinary field while also providing the community with traditional dishes in a healthier version that can be enjoyed without sacrificing taste.”

Today’s announcement of the 2008 Chef Splendido winner culminates a search that began this summer when culinary students and recent graduates were challenged to develop a Latino-inspired dessert using SPLENDA(R) Sweetener Products. The contest finalists where drawn from a national call-to-entries. The winner’s recipes, as well as all finalists’ recipes, are available on www.SplendaEnEspanol.com .

About SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners
SPLENDA(R) No Calorie Sweetener is the nation’s #1 selling no calorie sweetener. It is a delicious alternative to sugar that can contribute to a healthier lifestyle by helping to reduce calories, added sugar and carbohydrates. SPLENDA(R) No Calorie Sweetener can be used almost anywhere sugar is used, including cooking and baking, and is suitable for the whole family.

SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners are marketed by McNeil Nutritionals, LLC. For more information on SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners or to obtain recipes and tips on cooking and baking with the brand, visit www.splenda.com or call
1-800-7-SPLENDA (1-800-777-5363). Or, for a sweet shopping experience, visit www.Splendidlife.com .

About McNeil Nutritionals
McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, is a global marketer of innovative nutritional products. The company’s mission is to give people the ability to actively manage their own health. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC markets SPLENDA(R) Sweetener Products, VIACTIV(R) Dietary Supplements, LACTAID(R) Milk and Dietary Supplements, and BENECOL(R) Products. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC is headquartered in Fort Washington, PA.”

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