A 73-year-old woman from Norwich has expressed shock after receiving a letter from Norwich City Council warning her that selling homemade sausage rolls at a neighbourhood yard sale could constitute an unregistered food business. Jo Taylor, who sold the pastries at a local 'table top sale' on July 19, made £30 for charity but was advised to register with the local authority for future events.
The council's letter stated: 'If you sell, cook, store, handle, prepare or distribute food, you may be considered a food business and will need to register with your local authority.' It added that new food businesses are typically inspected shortly after opening and given a Food Hygiene Rating.
Ms Taylor, who has previously sold pasties and jam for charity, said she was 'shocked at first, and then slightly amused'. She told the Norwich Evening News: 'I just think they do not have anything better to do. Either that, or they are jealous of my sausage rolls.'
Fellow sellers also criticised the council's intervention, with one describing it as 'absolutely ridiculous' and questioning whether lemonade stands and bake sales would be next. However, the council later confirmed to Ms Taylor that no further action would be taken.
Organisers of the yard sale said they had 'clarified the position' with the local authority, posting on Facebook that the council was not trying to stop one-off sales but rather ensuring regular businesses are registered. They added that for small events like this, there is good awareness of food hygiene issues.
