“Sprinklegate” rocks UK bakery

Sprinkles can bring a sense of cheer and whimsy – as well as a welcome splash of color – to baked goods. But a British baker recently discovered that not all sprinkles are allowed to spark joy. Acting on a tip from an anonymous source, UK authorities recently told Rich Myers, owner of the Get Baked bakery in Leeds, that he had to stop selling some of his most popular baked goods because they contained sprinkles that ran afoul of British food laws.

Myers imports the multi-colored sprinkles from the US, and they contain a controversial colorant known as FD&C Red No. 3. The dye has been restricted for some uses after research showed that in large quantities it caused cancer in some lab animals. It has also been linked with hyperactivity in children. It is still allowed in food products in the US, but in the UK Red No. 3 is limited to use in cocktail cherries or to decorate eggshells. Other uses, including in sprinkles, is prohibited.

While you might think it reasonable to switch to a different type of sprinkle, Myers says that is a no-go. “It is HIGHLY unlikely that we will find any legal sprinkles that we will use as a replacement,” he wrote. “British sprinkles just aren’t the same, they’re totally s*** and I hate them.” Maybe Myers should try one of the homemade sprinkle recipes in the EYB Library

Photo of Vanilla sprinkle cookies from Serious Eats