Maker of Natural Top Dogs celebrates the role of hot dogs in Canadian culture

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - In celebration of National Hot Dog Day, Maple Leaf Foods, maker of the Maple Leaf Natural Top Dog™ brand, today released new Canadian Hot Dog Etiquette aimed at helping Canadians enjoy this sacred food on National Hot Dog Day, and throughout July's National Hot Dog Month. 

Notably, the new Maple Leaf-authored etiquette rejects the common rule popularized in Chicago that ketchup is a no-no on hot dogs, pointing out that for Canadians, "reaching for ketchup is as natural a reflex as gripping a hockey stick."

The etiquette also sanctions gravy and cheese curds on hot dogs, encourages hand-held eating and underscores the appropriateness of eating hot dogs with mittens and gloves in Canada. In particular, goalies should never remove gloves while eating hot dogs during a game, cautioning that "it's too risky to the knuckles."

In the "don't" category, people should avoid fretting about hot dog ingredients and should instead relax when a Maple Leaf Natural Top Dog™ is on your bun. "Focus on hot dog deliciousness and know that Maple Leaf Natural Top Dogs™ are made with natural ingredients that are so simple and understandable, no guilt is necessary," the etiquette reads.

In addition, a hot dog should never be called a sandwich. According to the etiquette, "hot dogs are sacred in Canada and the name stands with or without the presence of bread. But a sandwich without the bread is just – well, ingredients."

"With over 950 million hot dogs sold at retail last year in Canada*, it's clear hot dogs are the consummate summer food and Maple Leaf Natural Top Dogs™ in particular are the ultimate in taste, convenience and guilt-free eating," said Janet Riley, Maple Leaf Foods, Vice President of Communications, also known as the Queen of Wien. "We felt traditional hot dog etiquette needed an overhaul to honour and acknowledge Canadian culture, and we hope our new 'rules' will inspire Canadians everywhere to celebrate with our Natural Top Dogs this July. Or August. Or any day of the year."

'Queen of Wien' Janet Riley, former President of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council in Washington, DC for nearly 30 years, is an expert on hot dog culture, and now brings her knowledge and hot dog whimsy to Canada and Maple Leaf Foods, where she is available for media interviews about the new hot dog etiquette or any imaginable fact about hot dog history, lore, nutrition or preparation.

For more information, visit www.mapleleaf.ca/topdogsfacts/.

Notes to Editors

*Nielsen MarketTrack, NAT+NFLD GB+DR+MM, Latest 52 weeks to PE May 25, 2019

About Maple Leaf Foods

Maple Leaf Foods is a producer of food products under leading brands including Maple Leaf®, Maple Leaf Prime®, Maple Leaf Natural Selections®, Schneiders®, Schneiders® Country Naturals®, Mina®, Greenfield Natural Meat Co.®, Lightlife™, Field Roast Grain Meat Co.™ and Swift®. Maple Leaf employs approximately 12,500 people and does business in Canada, the U.S. and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario and its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI). 

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SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc.