An Abingdon resident has told Abingdon Town Council that an EU (European Union)  directive may threaten this years bun throwing on June 10th. The traditional bun throwing is held to celebrate important national and local events. Buns are thrown by the mayor and other dignatories from the County Hall roof to be scrambled for by Abingdonians down below.

The resident says that the EU Health and Safety directive only allows uncovered food to be served where “the ambient concentation of pollutants like Nitrogen Oxide are below prescibed limits.”

The Town Council will meet in emergency session to discuss this and other potential dangers including:

• Whether passing birds – with bird-flu – could contaminate the buns
• Whether the force with which buns can be propelled using artificial means – such as tennis rackets, could lead to injuries.
• Whether an over zealous councillor could throw himself off the unstable roof with a bun

Recommendations on this matter will be made at the April 1st meeting of the Town Council health, safety and food hygene working party. Cllr Martin Smith and Cllr Peter Jones are investigating whether the buns could be wrapped in clingfilm and delivered more gently using balloons.

The resident, a Mr Loof Lirpa, an expert in European law, originally from Sweden, says “These directives are there to protect ordinary citizens from the high and mighty wielding power in whatever form.”