April 19, 2004, Beacon, New York –A team of world-renowned Master Chefs and culinary leaders announced the formation of Master Chefs, L.L.C. with the goal of recognizing the highest standards of quality through the Seal of Excellence.

The Master Chefs Seal of Excellence was designed to evaluate and test food, equipment and beverage products and to recognize those which have achieved the Master Chef level of quality.

“The Seal Of Excellence represents the quality and integrity which instills confidence in purchasing decisions. It is our goal to provide a valued service to the industry and to establish the Seal of Excellence based upon credibility and uncompromising standards,” said Ferdinand Metz, Managing Partner.

The team of Master Chefs, L.L.C. having won numerous national and international awards, combines over 150 years of foodservice experience along with the highest level of culinary credentials- that of being a Master Chef, of whom there are fewer than 80 in the United States.

The group includes; Ferdinand Metz, CMC (Certified Master Chef), MBA, Edward Leonard, CMC, Executive Chef of the Westchester Country Club and Manager of the ACF National US Culinary Team, Fritz Sonnenschmidt, CMC, author, TV Personality and past Chairman of the American Academy of Chefs, Reinhold Metz, German Master Chef and President of the German Chefs Federation, Alexandra Wiedholz, Master Pastry Chef, food writer and Instructor of Baking and Pastry Arts.

Starting today, manufacturers of consumer and foodservice products, equipment and beverages can begin to apply to have their products undergo a rigorous impartial and blind testing process, within their product categories by a panel of Master Chefs, who focus on the functional, qualitative and organoleptic product properties.

The manufacturers of products evaluated will receive a detailed report of findings and recommendations. The products, which have attained the Master Chef level of quality, will be recognized with the Seal of Excellence.

“In a cluttered marketplace, both consumers and food professionals have to make important value decisions. As a result, they can benefit greatly by the quality rating of an independent body like Master Chefs, L.L.C.”, said Edward Leonard, company partner.

For additional information regarding Master Chefs , L.L.C. and the Seal of Excellence, please call 845-838-5448 or visit http://www.masterchefs-LLC.com