A BAKERY boss was ordered to withdraw his best-selling cookie – for using illegal sprinkles.
Get Baked's raspberry glazed donut cookie – inspired by Homer Simpson – was a massive hit with customers.
But after an anonymous tip-off Trading Standards raided the bakery in Leeds, West Yorks.
They quizzed boss Richard Myers, 32, over the source of his US-made sprinkles and seized samples for testing.
Officers have now ordered him to withdraw the donut after confirming the sprinkles contained illegal flavourings and additives.
Mr Myers said: "It's an absolute farce.
"The sprinkles are made in the US but I bought them from a supplier in London and they're readily available on the High Street.
"Trading Standards walked in and said we were being investigated for selling illegal sprinkles.
"They stayed for two hours, which was quite stressful.
"They interviewed me and then came back two days later to say that I must cease using them immediately.
"Apparently, one of the flavourings is banned and can only be used in glacier cherries. "The sprinkles also contain e numbers which are banned in the UK.
"It's ridiculous, given that kids are allowed to buy cans of Coca-Cola, which are full of caffeine.
"We're just an independent business and this is going to affect our trade and my livelihood quite dramatically."
The married dad-of-one said he had tried to use British-made sprinkles but the colour ran and they did not look "as vibrant".
He added: "To whoever reported us to Trading Standards, all I have to say is, dear Lord, what a sad little life."
In an email Trading Standards told him: "We have now heard back from the Food Standards Agency and they have confirmed that you must not use the sprinkles as they contain unauthorised food additives."
West Yorkshire Trading Standards said the sprinkles contain E127 which is only permitted in "cocktail cherries and candied cherries, and bigareaux cherries in syrup and in cocktails".
A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that we have advised the business concerned the use of E127 which is not permitted in this type of confectionery item.
"We stand by this advice and would urge all food business operators, when seeking to use imported foods containing additives, to check that they are permitted for use in the UK."
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