The Michigan Times

UM-Flint has taken the "bake" out of "bake sale."

Starting this fall, all bake sale items sold by student groups during fundraisers must be store-bought, pre-packaged foods.

The policy change was originally suggested by Jessie Hurse, director of student life, after he read about an event in which a student bit into a brownie that had a razor blade baked into it, causing him to bleed to death internally.

"My biggest fear was a student at this campus buys a brownie laced with drug paraphernalia in it," Hurse said.

Hurse said the decision was made after studying policies at UM-Flint’s sister campuses in Dearborn and Ann Arbor, as well as at other campuses.

Student life coordinator Brian Proffer confirmed that the policy had been changed, adding concern that student clubs might have difficulty even finding tables to use for bake sales in the first place, due to all of the construction on campus.

Hurse acknowledged that there could be some backlash from student groups, but said he still believes the change is necessary.

"I believe they will be understandably upset, but on air of caution, I believe our students will work together to make it work."

The new policy reads as follows…

• Only pre-packaged items may be sold at any and all bake sales.
•  Always have someone at your bake sale table and never leave food unattended.
• Food that must be kept hot or cold prior to serving cannot be sold; this includes cream cheese, butter, margarine, and milk.
• Do not store foods and supplies on the floor.
• Protect food from contamination at all times and keep work surfaces clean.
• Bake sale locations are: 2
• Bake sale locations may or may not have a table available, so please "scout" out the location and make sure that you know if you need to bring a table