Bunnings slammed as 'un-Australian' over new sausage sizzle rule
Aussies have hit a snag with changes to the nation’s weekend tradition of tucking into a Bunnings sausage causing outrage.
The hardware chain has been dubbed “un-Australian” for its safety overhaul of the iconic snack.
Bunnings Warehouse management told all groups staffing the stores’ fundraising sausage sizzles to put onion on bread first before adding the sausage, due to OH&S concerns.
The company argues adding the onion first will prevent it falling off and creating a potential slipping hazard.
The “friendly recommendation” has been provided in the sausage sizzle welcome pack to community and charity groups that run the fundraisers, Bunnings’ chief operating officer Debbie Poole said in a statement.
The rule will be applied to Bunnings’ 300 stores nationwide.
“Safety is always our Number one priority and we recently introduced a suggestion that onion be placed underneath sausages to help prevent the onion from falling out and creating a slipping hazard,” Ms Poole said.
“Regardless of how you like your onion and snag, we are confident this new serving suggestion will not impact the delicious taste or great feeling you get when supporting your local community group.”
Bunnings sausage sizzle rule causes outrage
The move has sparked outrage online from furious sausage sizzle enthusiasts who questioned the decision, with one woman asking whether anyone has actually ever slipped on onion. And if so, wouldn’t the sausage and sauce also be a slipping hazard?
“All it takes is one. Or the knowledge that it has happened and the cost associated,” one responded.
One man vented his outrage, saying: “Oh FFS! This is when OHS becomes almost entirely ridiculous.”
“It is really getting out of hand … no one wants to accept their own stupidity nowadays. It’s mind-boggling frustrating.”
Another man agreed, saying the move was a: “Totally un-Australian way to eat a sausage sizzle. snag goes on bread first then onion. OH&S gone mad.”
The Bunnings sausage sizzle has become a national tradition for many, with one couple even hosting their wedding reception at the retailer last year.
