Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

McVitie’s Forces Removal of Jaffa Cakes Exhibit at London Biscuit Museum

The Peek Freans Museum has paused its display during negotiations with McVitie’s over the Jaffa Cake’s official VAT-exempt cake status.

Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • McVitie’s sent a cease-and-desist-style letter demanding the immediate removal of Jaffa Cakes from the museum’s biscuit exhibit on the grounds that the snack is legally a cake.
  • The Peek Freans Biscuit Museum launched the Jaffa Cakes display on June 30 but took it down days later after receiving McVitie’s letter.
  • In its letter, McVitie’s cited the long-standing test that cakes harden when stale whereas biscuits go soft to reinforce the treat’s confectionery classification.
  • Jaffa Cakes have enjoyed zero-rated VAT status since McVitie’s prevailed in a 1991 case against HM Customs & Excise by proving they are cakes rather than biscuits.
  • The exhibit remains on hold as the Peek Freans Museum and McVitie’s negotiate a resolution, with curator Gary Magold expressing hope for an agreement.