Bakery ordered to stop using 'illegal sprinkles'

A British bakery has been ordered to stop using ‘illegal sprinkles’ following a complaint, in a very public saga dubbed ‘sprinklegate’.

On October 4 the owner of Get Baked, a bakery based in Leeds, England, posted a “heads up” on the business’ Facebook page, letting customers know the store would be closed the following day for several reasons.

“Just a quick heads up to let you all know that we’re closed tomorrow for the following reasons”, the post read, before listing reasons including staff training, needing to “get some other important shit done” and “everyone’s fucking knackered”.

Before signing off, they talk about having an “utterly sensational weekend” and then drop that they’d had “a lovely visit from Trading Standards on Friday after someone reported us for using what are apparently illegal sprinkles.”

“More on that one next week. Hope you fail,” the post ended.

The saga only continued from there, with owner Rich Myers keeping customers updated through a number of comedic Facebook posts.

“The sprinkles are imported from USA and may contain colourings that aren’t allowed over here,” he explained.

“They’re being tested and we will find out next week. I realise how insane this is. Unfortunately, I am only prepared to use them and no others. If I can’t use them, I won’t use any. I will be on sprinkle strike and won’t budge for no man.”

Unfortunately, the news wasn’t good for Get Baked, with an update on October 12 revealing that they would no longer be able to use the sprinkles, which were shown to be, indeed, illegal.

“We have heard back from Trading Standards, and have been told that we must cease use of our sprinkles with immediate effect,” they wrote.

“Obviously, we will be following the rules, and removing them as of now.

“Whilst this might seem like it’s not a big deal, it’s actually very fucking annoying, as A LOT of people ask for Birthday Bruce’s and Rasperry Glazed Donut Cookies are not only our best selling cookie, but they’re utterly sensational.

“It is HIGHLY unlikely that we will find any legal sprinkles that we will use as a replacement. British sprinkles just aren’t the same, they’re totally shit and I hate them.

“I am extremely passionate about sprinkles.

“I need to think this one over, we will obviously need to make some adjustments to the menu in order to compensate for this truly horrendous ordeal.

“One option, where the RGDC’s are concerned, is to glaze them as normal, but just not use sprinkles. It makes me sick just thinking about it.

“To whoever reported us to Trading Standards, (Dan?) all I have to say is, dear lord, what a sad little life Jane.

“My daughter, who is now 7 months, has to live with the fact that daddy can’t take her to Disneyland, because man can’t sell any fucking cookies.

“Done and done.”

However, the press surrounding the sprinkle saga has drawn a lot of attention to the bakery—a wave they are continuing to ride. By October 13, The BBC had caught wind of sprinklegate and reached out for an interview, which Rich was happy to give.

“I don’t want to say I’m a big deal, but I kind of am,” he said afterwards.