Protect secret recipe by politely saying 'no' (2024)

FAQs

How do I politely say no to sharing a recipe? ›

Dear Frustrated: Saying no nicely shouldn't be difficult if you say it with a smile. One way would be to say, "I'm sorry; I don't share this recipe, because it's a way I can earn extra money." That's not rude; it's the truth. Another smiling response might be "Coca-Cola isn't giving away its recipe, and neither am I."

(An unpublished recipe can be protected under trade secret law, but that means all the chefs using it would have to sign nondisclosure agreements or noncompetition agreements, which are not always enforceable). A collection of recipes, as in a cookbook, can be protected.

Reasonable efforts to keep a recipe secret include creating agreements (e.g., Non-disclosure and Confidentiality agreements), as well as creating and enforcing policies and procedures between the owners, employees and others that may access the recipe.

If someone asks at a party for the recipe for something you brought, just say "yeah, sure, whatever" and then quickly change the subject. And then don't give it to them.

Try: saying 'no, thank you – but what I've had was delicious and I feel so well-fed, thank you! ' Make and maintain eye contact as you respond and use a firm/assertive tone. Someone may offer you food so they feel like a good host.

Just use a simple “no thank you” or “I'll pass today”. Having healthy boundaries means you don't always have to give an excuse or a reason. If you feel comfortable, share about your health goals or food sensitivities as it might bring up awareness or good conversation.

Most recipes, however, include content beyond the ingredient list. Copyright protection does apply to any written text, photographs or videos accompanying that list of ingredients. For example, the headnotes and instructions on how to combine ingredients are protected by copyright.

A patent is a legal document that gives the inventor exclusive rights to prevent others from making, using, or selling their invention for a certain period of time. The purpose of a patent is to encourage innovation by providing inventors with an incentive to invest in research and development.

– Access Control: Limit access to the secret recipe or formulation to a few trusted employees. Use physical and digital security measures to prevent unauthorised access. – Employee Agreements: Ensure all employees with access to the secret recipe sign comprehensive non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

Please reach out to Secret Recipe Customer Service at feedback@secretrecipe.com.my on feedback or enquiries.

Are secret ingredients legal? ›

Implemented in January 2021, the new law will force cosmetic and personal care companies to disclose potentially harmful ingredients to the California public.

A recipe can usually be considered “original” if you have changed three or more major ingredients, or three or more steps in the recipe process, and have written everything in your own words.

If there's a recipe you truly don't want to reveal, just say warmly, "I'm very flattered you like it. However, it's been kept in the family for so long that I've promised myself not to divulge it. I'm sure you understand." You could then offer to give her a recipe that you like but don't feel protective about.

"Simply point out how delicious everything was but that you cannot eat more," Meier says. "I often compliment before I say no, 'The ham was incredible, but I can't fit even a bit more in! Thank you anyway.

“Would you please share your recipe with me?” is one polite way to ask. Some people will straight up share their recipe. Other folks may tell you that it's a family recipe that they won't share.

Tell them directly. Make sure you're clear and polite, not at all accusatory, and hopefully they'll understand. Explain how you trusted them with your private information and you'd appreciate it if they kept it to themselves, as you don't want anyone else but them to know.