UK bakery ordered to stop using illegal US sprinkles that contain E127 food colouring

A bakery in the United Kingdom says it will stop making its best-selling cookie after it was found to be using illegal sprinkles.

Key points: Red food colouring E127 is banned in the UK, except for cocktail cherries

Red food colouring E127 is banned in the UK, except for cocktail cherries It has been linked to inattention and hyperactivity in children

It has been linked to inattention and hyperactivity in children The bakery's owner says he will stop using sprinkles all together because he doesn't like the UK ones

The owner of Get Baked in Leeds, Rich Myers, has nothing good to say about the sprinkles available in the UK and was using imported ones from the United States.

"Anyone who's into sprinkles will know what I'm on about. Sprinkles you can get in this country are totally shit. They look wank, they bake wank," Mr Myers said on Facebook.

The problem is the American sprinkles contain E127, a red food colouring also known as Erythrosine or Red 3.

In the UK and the European Union, the use of E127 is restricted: It is banned in edible foods, except cocktail cherries and candied cherries.

It's regulated in Australia too. Along with cherries, it's only allowed in limited amounts in icing or frosting.

Research has suggested the use of E127 in food has a negative effect on children's attention and behaviour.

Mr Myers said the bakery was reported to Trading Standards, which ordered them to stop using the sprinkles immediately.

The American sprinkles contain red food colouring E127. ( Facebook: Get Baked in Leeds )

He said they would follow the rules, but no longer make their popular Raspberry Glazed Donut Cookie, which is covered in sprinkles, or put British sprinkles on any of their baked goods.

"Unfortunately, I am only prepared to use them and no others," Mr Myers said.

"If I can't use them, I won't use any.

"I will be on sprinkle strike and won't budge for no man."

The incident, which has been dubbed Sprinklegate, has received widespread media attention in the UK.

Mr Myers said the bakery was being "bombarded by the press" and they had to delay opening the bakery on Thursday local time.

"I'm not letting the fame get to my head, but I've employed a PA and she's gone to get me a cappuccino, extra hot, no chocolate," he said on Facebook.

Manufacturers use E127 dye maraschino cherries, which are white, to resemble a normal variety of cherry.

It is the only food colouring that provides the appropriate colour, doesn't bleed into other fruit in a mixed fruit can, and has a stable shelf life.