FDA recalls Macrina Bakery’s “Mini Raspberry Lemon Coffee Cake” due to a serious mislabeling issue involving undeclared wheat and walnuts.
At a Glance
- The FDA has recalled a gluten-free cake product due to the presence of wheat and nuts.
- The product in question is the “Mini Raspberry Lemon Coffee Cake” made by Macrina Bakery in Kent, Washington.
- The recall was initiated because the “Mini Squash Harvest Loaf” was mislabeled as “Mini Raspberry Lemon Coffee Cake,” leading to undeclared allergens.
- The FDA classified this recall as Class II, indicating potential temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
- Accurate food labeling is critical for individuals with food allergies to make safe food choices.
FDA Recall Details
The FDA has recalled Macrina Bakery’s “Mini Raspberry Lemon Coffee Cake” due to a labeling error that identifies the product as the “Mini Squash Harvest Loaf.” This mistake hides the presence of wheat and walnuts, which are significant allergens. Thirty-eight loaves, labeled under UPC 8 57297 00745 4 and with a sell-by date of 09/17, are subject to this recall. The FDA has classified this as a Class II risk, suggesting potential for temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
The FDA indicated that wheat and walnuts could pose substantial health threats to individuals with gluten intolerance or nut allergies. “The “Mini Raspberry Lemon Coffee Cake”, made by Macrina Bakery of Kent, Washington, has been recalled due to mislabeling of products,” a source confirmed.
Understanding Class II Risk
The FDA’s Class II classification means that the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health outcomes. While most symptoms from food allergies are mild, severe reactions like anaphylaxis can occur, leading to life-threatening conditions. The presence of undeclared allergens in the mislabeled “Mini Raspberry Lemon Coffee Cake” poses an unnecessary risk.
“This recall has been assigned a Class II risk level by the FDA. Class II classifications are enforced in ‘a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote,’ according to the FDA.”
Mislabeled food products can create confusion and potentially harm consumers. The FDA stressed the importance of accurate labeling under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), which mandates truthful and not misleading labels.
The Importance of Accurate Labeling
The FDA highlights that firms must follow good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to prevent allergen cross-contact. The presence of undeclared allergens like sesame, walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts in products like those from Bimbo Bakeries underscores the ongoing need for stringent labeling practices. Accurate food labeling allows consumers to make informed and safe food choices, particularly for those with severe allergies.
“The FDA said: ‘Undeclared walnut and wheat. Mini Squash Harvest Loaf (UPC 8 55324 00505 3) was mis-labeled as Mini Raspberry Lemon Coffee Cake (UPC 8 57297 00745 4) and therefore wheat flour and walnuts are not declared on label.'”
In conclusion, while the FDA and food manufacturers must work together to ensure food safety through accurate labeling, consumers also need to remain vigilant about the products they purchase. The recent recall of Macrina Bakery’s mislabeled cakes serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of truthful and precise product information.
Sources
1. Recalls, Corrections and Removals (Devices)
2. FDA Recalls Gluten-Free Cake and Gives Risk Classification
