FDA Raises Alarm On Widespread Cake Mix Recall

(KMDL-FM) The Food and Drug Administration has elevated a recall on popular cake mixes sold nationwide to its most dangerous recall level, Class 1. This means that use of these products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

READ MORE: FDA Issues Recall on More than 2,000 Products - See the List

In this case, as in many product recall cases, the additional product scrutiny was initiated by something in the product that wasn't on the label. In FDA terms, that is considered to be an undisclosed allergen. And in the case of this allergen, it could cause serious health issues.

What Does a Class 1 FDA Recall Mean?

Over the past two decades, about 53% of all FDA recalls have been noted as Class 1 recalls. That is the agency's highest level of recall. Over 35,000 recall incidents of the past 20 years have been initiated for food products. The levels change drastically when the category is recalled drugs; in that case, only about 6% of the recalls are noted as Class 1.

Originally, the recall was instituted voluntarily in December by the manufacturer of the affected cake mix brands. Since that time, the FDA has reviewed the information related to the recall and raised the risk level to consumers to a Class 1 risk.

READ MORE: Key Ingredient in Louisiana King Cakes Recipes Recalled by FDA

We should note that while the bulk of the recalled products are cake mixes, there has also been a recall initiated on bread and roll mix produced by the same manufacturer. Both the bread and roll mix and the two different cake mixes were sold nationwide.

The products subject to the recall originate from B.C. Williams Bakery Service, based in Denton, Texas. As mentioned, the company issued a voluntary recall in December over an undisclosed allergen that was included in the product's manufacture.

What is the Reason for the Class 1 Cake Mix Recall?

The allergen in question is an undisclosed milk allergen, which could cause serious health consequences for those who have allergies to such products. The details on the recalled products are as follows:

Spice Cake Mix; 50 lb. multi-wall, kraft, poly-lined moisture-proof bags, Batch 221
Bread and Roll Mix; 50 lb. multi-wall, kraft, poly-lined moisture proof bags, Lot #072225-217, Lot #072225-218, Lot #080325-200, Lot #080325-201, Lot #081625-203, Lot #081625-204, Lot #092225-222, Lot #092225-223, Lot #092225-224, Lot #092225-225, Lot #092225-226, Lot #092225-227, Lot #092225-228, Lot #101725-208, Lot #101725-209
Swiss Chocolate Cake Mix; 50 lb. multi-wall, kraft, poly-lined moisture-proof bags, Lot #072925-220 and Lot #071825-36

As you can see, these particular batches of mix are in rather large quantities, so there is reason to believe that not many home pantries will have these particular products in storage. However, many schools, cafeterias, and the like could have these products on hand, so it would be wise to check the inventory for any recalled products.

It is suggested that all inquiries regarding refunds or product replacements be directed to B.C. Williams Baker Service and its customer relations team.