Entrants Eligible to Win $5,000 and Mentorship with Nationally-recognized Chef from The Spanish-Speaking Chef's Association

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., June 3 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hispanics are the largest minority within the culinary workforce with more than half -- 54 percent -- working as cooks and food preparers. Yet, less than 20 percent hold executive chef positions. To help support and develop new talent in the professional culinary sector, McNeil Nutritionals, LLC -- worldwide marketer of SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners -- today announced the opening of a call for entries for the fourth annual Chef Splendido Contest, a national search dedicated to showcasing aspiring Hispanic and bi-lingual (English/Spanish speaking) culinary talent.

The Chef Splendido contest recognizes up and coming 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, especially given the high Hispanic incidence of obesity and diabetes. A new partnership with The Spanish Speaking Chef's Association of America, an organization whose goal is to support young Latinos interested in pursing careers in culinary arts, will broaden the talent search and encourage current and recent culinary graduates to participate in the contest.

"The Hispanic community is key to the make-up of the culinary workforce, yet the majority of roles fall within the service-oriented sector due to barriers - such as language and education," said Chef Rafael Palomino, Executive Chef and founder of The Spanish Speaking Chef's Association of America. "With the large number of Hispanic talent in the industry, it is important to encourage and support aspiring chefs to participate in programs like Chef Splendido that help them further their careers while learning how to create reduced calorie options with less sugar for traditional Latino cuisine."

To enter, participants create a Latino-inspired dessert using SPLENDA(R) Sweeteners and compete for an opportunity to win $5,000 in cash. In addition, the winner receives a mentorship opportunity with a nationally recognized Hispanic chef associated with the Spanish-Speaking Chefs Association. Contest rules, regulations and deadlines available at www.SplendaEnEspanol.com .

About The Spanish-Speaking Chefs Association and Chef Rafael Palomino
The Spanish-Speaking Chefs Association's goal is to provide an opportunity for culinary students to learn about the culinary profession in operating restaurant kitchens. The association seeks internship opportunities for students that many times result in job offers upon graduation. The Association recognizes the importance of mentoring in the profession and seeks to establish professional relationships between established chefs and culinary students.

Rafael Palomino's professional life began when he was just sixteen years old. He found an after school job at Larry Forgione's River Café in Brooklyn, New York, that sparked the beginning of a soaring culinary career. At nineteen, Palomino traveled to France, where he spent a year working hard and studying under the guidance of celebrated chef Michel Guèrard in
Eugènie-les-Bains. From 1987 to 1995, Palomino was executive chef of the famous Metropolis Café. In 1998, Chef Palomino opened his sophisticated midtown Manhattan restaurant, Sonora, which was immediately proclaimed by New York Magazine as one of the best places to eat in New York in 1999. He has since opened 5 additional restaurants and has written various cookbooks that feature easy to follow recipes for entertaining Latin style.

About SPLENDA 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.