HOME-MADE cakes and treats have been banned in Knox preschools, following years of similar bans in childcare centres across the municipality.
Knox Council runs 36 childcare services for 1800 children and its chief executive Graeme Emonson said there was a fine balance between being too risk-averse and considering food allergies.
"A number of children have allergies and it is our prime responsibility to protect them."
Mr Emonson said it was important that shared food was appropriately labelled.
Bans on bringing toilet rolls or egg cartons to centres for craft activities have also outraged parents, but Mr Emonson said toilet rolls had not been permitted in centres for almost 20 years.
He justified the ban on egg cartons by saying the cardboard could still contain traces of eggs and many children suffered severe reactions to the product.
"The council has a duty of care," Mr Emonson said. "It is a well-known fact that consequences of an allergic reaction can be very serious, even death."