Evans' view that a number of grains are toxic and entire food groups, like dairy, should be avoided was rebutted by accredited dieticians, nutritionists and university academics, who recently claimed they've been blocked from the chef's page on the social media platform.
In response to the move, which has been described as "concerning", a coterie of experts have created their own Facebook page entitled "Blocked By Pete Evans", along with a Twitter hashtag #blockedbypete.
Criticism censored
Tim Crowe, a nutrition academic at Deakin University, said he had been blocked from Evans' page for posting response to the warning the chef issued on the subject "harms that grain cause".
"When advice and research that Pete Evans produces is questioned or challenged, or when alternative viewpoints are put forward they are immediately deleted and removed, while any positive comments about what Peter is doing are kept on the page," Crowe said.
"There are many people on his page that are asking for medical advice and [Evans] is not actually referring them to medical doctors, or dieticians or people that actually know about these conditions, he's often referring them to his own book – his paleo program, or people who he is connected with."
Evans' disclaimer
Though Evans has not directly responded to reporters' requests for comment, a recent post on his Facebook page read:
"The information shared can be challenging for some, especially if they have sat in a classroom for four years or more listening to their lecturers or reading text books that contain out-dated information!
"I can feel the frustration that some may be experiencing and I understand that you want to come on to this page and vent or share your message as you BELIEVE that the recipes and information that I share are dangerous.
"I can only send you love, light and acceptance and hope that some of these stories, if you honestly take the time to read them may just spark a little bit of interest for you to question what you have been taught, and to perhaps open your eyes wide and follow the money trail!
“I will state... this page that we have all built will not become a place for confusing or negative messages from external influencers that have the goal of rubbishing my name, this real food movement, or spreading their own personal agendas.
"You can create your own pages to do that. If the information that I am sharing seems to stress you in any way then please simply unfollow.
"I wish you all the very best on your journey and I actually hope that we may meet again in the future."
