Bake sales will escape charges

Concerns were raised when the Food Standards Agency told the Post charges of up to £300 for home bakers were among options being discussed as part of a policy review. Charities said they could be “significantly affected” and called for consultation.

Click here to read last week’s story

Now the FSA has clarified the situation, stating: “The FSA is clear that the regulations which apply to small food businesses are not applicable to one off or occasional community events like charity cake sales. “Such events are not required to register with local authorities and there are no plans to charge charities for holding them.”

Stella Humphreys of Cancer Help Preston, said: “This is great news, it’s pleasing to hear that common sense has prevailed.”

Sue Thompson, chief officer of Rosemere Cancer Foundation, said: “We’re delighted our Rosemere bakers won’t be charged. A fee of up to £300 would have wiped out a lot of money raised from cake sales and would have spoilt the enjoyment of the people who run them.”

Len Curtis of Donna’s Dream House, a Blackpool charity which provides free holidays for ill youngsters across Lancashire, said: “Thank goodness some one has seen sense before implementing policies that would be unmanageable and impossible to implement due to the mainly add-hoc way fundraisers decide to offer this service to charities. I agree with other charities that proper food hygiene guidance should be included with fund raising information.”