They are considered one of the highlights of the Christmas market in Bordesholm (Schleswig-Holstein) and are happily eaten by visitors. But due to an EU regulation, home-baked cakes and pies can no longer be sold. The local rural women’s association is shocked, especially because the proceeds have always been used for charity purposes.
The point of contention is EU Regulation No 852/2004. According to her, rural women should be classified as ‘food operators’ and adhere to all strict hygiene requirements. Naturally, private household kitchens do not meet these requirements (official approval of the preparation facilities, compliance with the cold chain, ingredients folder, health certificate, etc.). The regulation has actually been in force in Germany since 2007, but there has never been any control on the one-day market, which welcomes around 8,000 guests every year.
After all these years, they wanted to be on the safe side this year and asked the responsible administrative body in the Rendsburg-Eckernförde district. “We were alarmed because there were controls and bans elsewhere, for example in Dithmarschen. We just wanted to be sure,” explains Claudia Jargstorf, president of the Bordesholm Rural Women’s Association, to the “Kieler Nachrichten”.
Exceptions do not apply due to too many visitors
The rural women then received a devastating response: home-baked pies or tarts were not allowed to be sold in the market. The exemption scheme, which usually already exists for small events in clubs, kindergartens, schools and parishes or street festivals, cannot be applied to Bordesholm. There are simply too many guests for that.
The organizer of the Christmas market is also shocked in the “Kieler Nachrichten”: “For us this is a slap in the face. The cakes are traditionally part of the event.” In addition to tradition, the sweets also play an important role in the net proceeds. Last year, 10,500 euros were raised for charity.
“The law is the law”
The district’s decision is incomprehensible to market boss Ulrich Schuster, especially because he knows that “five kilometers away” for similar events only a warning is sufficient. The authorities’ response to such objections is: “The law is the law.” And they strictly adhere to that. This means that there will definitely be no cakes and pies on December 8.
Source: Krone
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