The Fruit(cake)s of Our Labors

Posted by Katherine on Dec. 30, 2008

freedom fruitcakeMr. Melton, I disapprove of what you bake, but I will defend to the death your right to bake (and sell) it.*

Shasta County health officials are cracking down on an 86-year-old disabled World War II veteran who has been selling homemade fruitcakes for more than a decade.

The Department of Environmental Health cites an obscure law banning food businesses in private homes.

Jack Melton of Redding gave away many of his pecan-filled fruitcakes. But health officials saw a small handmade window sign offering some for sale.

Health specialist Fern Hastings says Melton must use a commercial bakery that has passed a health inspection even if he gives his cakes to the public.

Melton says the 10- to 14-dozen fruitcakes he sold each year helped supplement his Social Security benefits.

* Fun fact: The orginial formulation of the phrase was not really Voltaire’s, but a snappier paraphrase of his thoughts by his biographer Evelyn Beatrice Hall.

Crossposted at reason.com

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  • too bad but any business facilities especially food businesses should maintain cleanliness because they are making food for their customer and making the customers health at the risk with it.
  • Thanks for posting this and I'm so sorry to know that food businesses from private homes are banned.
  • I feel sorry for the old war veteran and fruitcake maker. But society set rules for us to adhere to for our own safety. We have to follow them for they are not intended to violate our right, but promote a healthier, safer, and fairer living experience.
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