The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered a general recall of baked items found in grocery stores in 14 states following the finding of undeclared dyes in the foods.
Jessie Lord Bakery, LLC of California is recalling 136,252 cases of its Lemon Meringue Pies and Sugar Free Lemon Meringue Pies.
As per the FDA’s announcement issued on September 5, Yellow #5, or tartrazine, was not declared on the ingredient list, which was in the desserts. This led to the Class II recall, which the FDA describes as a situation where temporary or medically reversible health effects are likely, though dangerous health effects are deemed remote.
The pies were sold at the retail level in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Although the FDA would not give a store-by-store list, Jessie Lord Bakery products are frequently carried at large chains such as H-E-B, Vons, Safeway, and Ralphs.
Affected items may be recognized by the following information:
Jessie’s Lemon Meringue Pie, 8″ round, Net Wt. 27 OZ, Item Code 31811, UPC: 8 85523 31811 1
Jessie’s Lemon Meringue Pie Sugar Free, Item Code 30811, UPC: 8 85523 30811 2
Jessie’s Lemon Meringue Pie, Item Code 08276, UPC: 0 41512 08275 7
First Street Lemon Meringue Pie, Item Code 84232, UPC: 000 41220 84232 2
H-E-B Bakery Lemon Meringue Pie
The lot codes involved are all labeled “24050-25231” and have “Best By” dates of February 19, 2027.
Yellow #5 is one of six artificial colors the FDA intends to phase out of the food supply by 2026, after increasing worries about its potential impact on health. Studies have attributed the coloring to skin allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, and breathing difficulties, as well as changes in behavior among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although research continues, the additive has emerged as an increasing interest for consumer advocacy groups concerned about safety.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been one of those leading the charge for increased regulation of artificial food coloring. The recall is just the beginning of a larger trend toward transparency in labeling foods and ensuring ingredient safety.
Consumers who bought the recalled pies are urged to look in their freezers and throw away the products or take them back to the place of purchase for a refund. Because the pies’ expiration dates were so far away, the FDA warns that many may still be on the shelf.
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