Free yeast

[Scavenger]

I have heard that there is some old baking by-law that fresh yeast is supposed to be offered by supermarkets for free if you ask for it. Before I make a complete idiot of myself at my local food store, can anyone confirm this?

[Fitzer]

I don't know about a law but I have asked for and received yeast from my local Tesco for no payment. Your store does have to have an in-store bakery of course ;-)

[heathfield]

Yep, Fitzer's right, our local Tesco does the same, and there's a notice up saying it's restricted to a certain amount per customer. Dunno about it being a bylaw though.

[Jules001]

my local Morrisons sell it for 29p - hardly breaks the bank does it?

[Scavenger]

Thanks Fitzer and Heathfield - at least my curiosity is satisfied. And yes Jules001 you are right 29p isn't going to push me into the red, but on the day that I don't have 29p's worth of change in my pocket and I have an real urge for some yeast (you never know), at least I know that someone out there is giving it away for free!

[bellasasha]

tescos will give you it for nothing, as will sainsburys

[crisgal]

why don't they charge? Am I missing something?

[glenis]

i've never seen yeast in shops i have always use dried yeast ,but i used to get it years ago from a bakers i used to like eating it !! now i know where to go

[Scavenger]

Crisgal - I guess that is the question that needs answering. My feeling there was some old baking by-law or something from the Guild of Bakers (if there is such a thing) that states that any places that bake bread must share their yeast... kinda like a yeast-chain (ish).

I too am curious as to why Tesco et al will give it away for free!

[chrisabel]

the reason they give you fresh yeast for nothing, is it is illegal for supermarkets to sell live prodce, and as yeast is live, if u ask for it, they are obliged to give it to you for free ;-)

[Birichen]

Used to be the law. Bakers where obliged to give you yeast for free when asked. Listening to the Baker on the BBC kitchen cabinet program that low seems to have been lost in Time and is no longer applicable. But it really was a law. Many supermarkets will give you fresh yeast and give an excuse that it is a health and safety problem. This only means that they are not sure about the free yeast law