Council U-turn on school cake ban

Cakes and scones were banned on 'health and safety grounds'

A Scottish council which whisked up a storm of protest by banning home baking at school fairs has backed down.

Dundee City Council sent out letters warning that home-made cakes and scones would not be allowed at end-of-term fetes on health and safety grounds.

Parents reacted angrily stating that the baking stalls were a good way of raising money and were of little risk.

The council is now changing its rules and said it recognised the benefits of the home baking stalls.

'Basic rules'

A council statement said there had been "further consideration of available risk mitigation measures."

A spokesman added: "We recognise that home baking can strengthen the partnership between the school and the home as well as being a means of raising funds.

"It can also encourage children to try something different and to develop their own tastes in food.

"Pupils are taught to eat healthily and to take precautions regarding hygiene as part of their general education.

"We would ask that parents and carers who are cooking and baking for school events follow basic rules surrounding food safety and we will be issuing schools with the relevant advice and information which will enable safe enjoyment of this activity."

The new guidelines will be sent to schools at the beginning of the new term.