Top 5 Takeaways

1. Heavy Metal Poisonings: Investigations in Rhode Island and Missouri during 2018-2019 linked heavy metal poisonings to cakes decorated with luster dust containing high levels of copper, lead, and other metals.
2. Misleading Labels: Products labeled as “nontoxic” or “for decorative purposes only” were found to be unsafe for consumption, leading to cases of poisoning.
3. Public Health Implications: There is a critical need for clearer labeling and public education to prevent unintentional poisonings from nonedible products used in food preparation.
4. Investigation Findings: Rhode Island’s investigation found high levels of multiple metals in luster dust, while Missouri identified lead in a cake decorating material, leading to elevated blood lead levels in a child.
5. Regulatory Actions: The FDA requires that food additives meet safety and labeling guidelines, and can take enforcement actions to protect public health when violations occur.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Adrienne S. Ettinger, adrienne.ettinger@rutgers.edu

Suggested Citation

Viveiros B, Caron G, Barkley J, et al. Cake Decorating Luster Dust Associated with Toxic Metal Poisonings — Rhode Island and Missouri, 2018–2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1501–1504. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7043a2

Summary

During 2018-2019, Rhode Island and Missouri investigated cases of heavy metal poisonings linked to cakes decorated with luster dust. The investigations revealed that some luster dusts, labeled as “nontoxic” or “for decorative purposes only,” contained high levels of toxic metals like copper and lead. These findings highlight the need for clearer labeling and public education to prevent unintentional poisonings from nonedible products used in food preparation.

Methods

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) conducted investigations into reported illnesses. RIDOH’s investigation included on-site inspections, food flow analysis, and chemical testing of luster dust and cake samples. Missouri DHSS used a handheld x-ray fluorescence analyzer to detect lead in cake decorating materials during an environmental investigation.

Discussion

The popularity of using luster dust in food decoration has led to unintentional poisonings due to mislabeling and misuse of nonedible products. The FDA requires that food additives meet safety and labeling guidelines, but products labeled as “nontoxic” can still be harmful if consumed. Public health efforts must focus on educating consumers, bakers, and health professionals about the risks of using nonedible items in food preparation.

Conclusion

Clear labeling indicating that nonedible products are not safe for consumption is essential to prevent illness. Public education is crucial to inform consumers and professionals about the potential hazards of using nonedible items in food preparation. Regulatory actions by the FDA can help enforce safety standards and prevent future poisonings.

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