RECALL UPDATE: FDA Recalls Gluten-Free Cake and Gives Risk Classification
According to News Week, A gluten-free cake product has been recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after it was found to contain undeclared wheat and nuts. The “Mini Raspberry Lemon Coffee Cake,” produced by Macrina Bakery in Kent, Washington, was recalled due to labeling errors.
Details of the Recall
The bakery voluntarily recalled 38 loaves of the cake after discovering that its “Mini Squash Harvest Loaf” was mislabeled as “Mini Raspberry Lemon Coffee Cake.” As a result, the product may pose a risk to individuals with allergies. The FDA reported, “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 the label.”
The recalled products have a Universal Product Code (UPC) of 8 57297 00745 4 and a sell-by date of September 17. Newsweek has reached out to Macrina Bakery for further comments regarding the recall.
Risk Classification
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.
Understanding Food Allergens
Wheat and tree nuts, including walnuts, are recognized as major food allergens by the FDA. Other allergens include milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, soybeans, peanuts, and sesame.
Gluten, a protein naturally found in wheat and related grains like barley and rye, serves as a binding agent that provides dough with elasticity and helps it rise. Various health conditions prompt individuals to avoid gluten, including wheat allergies, Celiac disease, and gluten intolerance.
Celiac Disease and Wheat Allergies
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where gluten ingestion triggers an immune response that attacks the small intestine. Over time, this can damage the intestinal lining and hinder nutrient absorption. In contrast, wheat allergies result in classical allergic reactions, where the immune system produces antibodies against wheat proteins.
Walnut allergies fall under the broader category of tree nut allergies, which also includes almonds, cashews, and pecans. A walnut allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies walnut proteins as harmful, leading to the release of chemicals like histamine, which causes allergic symptoms.
Risks of Food Allergies
While most food allergy symptoms are mild and primarily affect the skin or digestive system, some reactions can escalate to severe, life-threatening conditions known as anaphylaxis. This reaction can cause constricted airways, a severe drop in blood pressure, and swelling in the throat, potentially leading to suffocation.