Q: What foods are acceptable at Bake Sales in McLean County Illinois?

Bake Sales Guidelines.. After conferring with the McLean County Health Department we have agreed on the following guidelines for conducting Bake Sales.

Although the traditional bake sale foods such as bread, cakes, pies, cookies and candies rarely cause illness, it is important to remember that under the right circumstances any food can cause food borne illness. The following recommendations will assure the success of your bake sale both through profits and food safety.

Packaging

· All food must be pre-packaged on single service plates or trays. (Styrofoam, plastic or paper).

· Wrap all items completely in plastic wrap, aluminum foil or other single service

covering.

· Use containers approved for food storage. Do not use trash bags.

Acceptable items

· Breads – quick breads and yeast

· Cakes (except cheesecake or cream filled)

· Cookies

· Bars

· Muffins

· Candies

· Dried fruits, herbs and spices

· Cupcakes (except cream filled)

· Fruit pies not requiring refrigeration

Not acceptable

· Cheesecake

· Cream, custard or pumpkin pie

· Cream filled cakes, cupcakes, muffins or doughnuts

· Frosting and fillings made with cream

If these items are donated store them in a refrigerator or well- iced cooler and display only one or two at a time.

Food Allergens

The eleven most common food allergens are:

...Milk Eggs

...Peanuts Tree nuts (walnuts, cashews, etc)

...Strawberries Citrus Soy

...Wheat Melon Shellfish Fish

Individuals who are allergic or very sensitive to food can touch or smell food and have an

allergic reaction. Some allergic reactions can be severe and require hospitalization.

Consider the following:

· Label items containing all or some of these allergens i.e. "contains nuts".

· Position these food items away from other items or use a separate table, if available.

· Assign one or two people to handle the sales of allergen free foods.

**Never offer home-canned foods at bake sales.

Leftovers

To avoid leftovers reduce the price 20 minutes before the close of your fundraiser. If you have leftovers be sure to wrap them securely. If items are from the "not acceptable" list and have been at room temperature, discard them.