Cake Recall as Dire Warning Issued

A range of cake slices have been withdrawn from shelves over fears they may contain an undeclared major allergen due to a packaging mix-up.

KALO Foods, LLC, based in North Carolina, has issued a recall of single slices of carrot cake after a mistake in the packaging process meant they were partially labeled as chocolate cake products instead. The error means the ingredients listed are incorrect and the fact that the carrot cake slices contain soy, a major allergen, is not listed on the product.

According to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) statement issued on Tuesday, the packaging lists the product as “Single Slice Gluten Free Carrot Cake,” but the ingredients panel shows what was used to make chocolate cake slices. The error came to light after a customer reported the mistake on March 1.

The products were distributed between February 28 and 29. They are packaged in clear plastic clam shells with a white label and black lettering which reads: “All Natural Carrot Cake Gluten Free.” The release does not detail how many slices were distributed during these dates.

They affected products were sold primarily in retail stores located in North Carolina and Virginia, according to the FDA release. As of the recall being initiated, there have been no reported illnesses.

Anyone who has purchased the product is urged to throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with queries regarding the incident should contact KALO Foods on 336-949-4802 during 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday to Saturday. Newsweek has contacted the company via email for comment outside of normal working hours.

Soybeans are one of nine major allergens designated by the FDA. They must be declared on all food packaging except in limited circumstances, with the government agency warning that consumption by those with the allergy “run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction.”

Food allergies can often lead to uncomfortable symptoms that can sometimes result in serious illness. The other eight major food allergens designated by the FDA are milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and sesame.

According to the FDA, food-allergy reactions can lead to hives, rashes, swelling, vomiting and/or diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and coughing or wheezing.

More serious signs of an allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. Anyone who believes they are having a serious allergic reaction should contact their healthcare provider immediately.