Cookbook author Fehmz devastated after recipes from her book are illegally shared

COOKBOOK author Fehmida Jordaan aka Fehmz, popularly known for her San Sebastian cheesecake, has taken to social media today, saying she was "devastated" after recipes from her book, DAMN GOOD FOOD, were copied, scanned and circulated as a pdf on WhatsApp.

"My dear friends, family and community, today I need your help as I am quite devastated. It has come to my attention that my book, into which I’ve put lots of love, time, energy, effort, as you have all seen, has been unscrupulously copied, scanned and circulated as a pdf on WhatsApp," read her post on Facebook.

"Aside from this being hurtful to me, it’s extremely unethical and disrespectful to steal and share someone’s work without permission. It’s theft and unfortunately those who forward it, save it and share it are liable and implicated, as well as the original person who did this heinous act.

"If anyone has any information that can assist me, please DM me. I ask you all to please: be alert and report all sharing of the pdf or pics of my recipes from the book to me via DM; (and) ⁠if it comes up on a group you are in, please ask the person who sent it not to share as it’s unethical."

Reacting to her post, Nicole Berry wrote: "I bought your book yesterday and just loved looking at each and every page. I couldn't wait to sit in my comfy chair and enjoy the book. I'm so sorry that this has happened to you." 

Farida Bodhanya added: "That is absolutely wrong in so many ways. I hope the culprit gets caught." 

Fehmz, who grew up in Lenasia in Johannesburg, began posting food content since 2012, but it was the cheesecake post that went viral on Instagram in December 2022. It culminated in the book, DAMN GOOD FOOD. The book pays tribute to all the people who taught her recipes as she honed her cooking skills; her mum, dad, Aunty Pinky and Roshen Maasi.

You can follow her on Facebook at Fehmz, visit www.fehmz.com, or find her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube at @fehmz.