Have you ever baked or decorated a birthday cake?
Interest in elaborate cakes is booming, fueled by social media trends and television shows such as Is It Cake?.
This means that products like edible glitter and colorful dyes are becoming more common at children's parties and other social events.
But a recent incident, in which a young Queenslander was hospitalized after inhaling cake decorating powder, has raised concerns about the safety of these products.
And authorities have now announced a nationwide recall of the product in question.
What is 'cake dust'?
“Cake dust” refers to many different products used to decorate cakes. This includes edible glitter, metallic-looking powders, colored powders that are brushed onto decorations, and liquid colors that are sprayed onto cakes with an airbrush.
These products are made of various substances. Some are a mixture of food coloring and sugar or starch. Some also contain pigments that give them a metallic or shiny appearance. These pigments may contain small amounts of aluminum, copper or zinc which, when consumed in large quantities, can be toxic to humans.
Many also contain amorphous silicon dioxide, which helps prevent the powders from agglomerating. This should not be confused with crystalline silica dust, which has been shown to cause a long-term lung disease called silicosis.
These substances are not inherently harmful, but can be dangerous if exposed to large amounts. However, the way you consume them is important. For example, eating small amounts on the surface of a cake is very different from inhaling a concentrated cloud of fine dust.
This is because the lungs do not process particles in the same way as the digestive system. Fine particles can travel deep into the airways, where they are then absorbed by the body. These particles can irritate lung tissue or cause inflammation in both small and large airways. They can also block the airways and reduce oxygen intake.
This can cause persistent coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. If you have any of these symptoms or notice your lips turning blue, visit the emergency department right away.
“Non-toxic” does not mean edible
Some cake decorating products are labeled “non-toxic” rather than “edible.” You might assume that these terms are interchangeable, but they are not.
In the recent Queensland case, the metal cake powder was reported to be labeled “non-toxic” and intended only “for use in removable parts” of the cakes. However, it was sold alongside other edible cake decorating products.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that this type of dust endangers people's health. Between 2018 and 2019, health authorities in the United States investigated multiple poisonings related to metallic cake decorations with “shiny dust.” These products contained high levels of metals, including copper and zinc. The Queensland boy inhaled cake dust that also contained these metals.
Are they more harmful to children?
Yes. This is because children have much smaller airways than adults, which can become blocked or irritated more easily. They also breathe more rapidly relative to their body size, meaning they can inhale more potentially toxic substances at once.
Children are often attracted to these metallic looking cake products because they appear shiny. They are also more likely to accidentally inhale cake dust, for example while helping to decorate cakes or blow out candles.
About the authors
William Alexander Donald is Professor of Chemistry at UNSW Sydney. Deborah Yates is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Health at UNSW Sydney.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
In the Queensland case, the boy inhaled about a tablespoon of gold cake dust before he began coughing, became unresponsive and eventually spent days in an induced coma. The inhaled dust likely entered the child's lungs, where it blocked his airway.
This case shows the importance of keeping young children away from anything they can swallow or that can settle in their lungs.
It also highlights the need for more research and stricter regulation. Research should focus on what metals, pigments and fine particles are actually found in cake decorating products. Companies should make labels clearer and more comprehensive, adding warnings, such as “avoid inhalation” or “keep away from children,” if appropriate. Regulators should also reconsider how these products are marketed and sold, especially if they are commonly used among children.
So can I continue using these products?
Parents and avid bakers can still use cake decorating products safely by taking a few simple precautions.
check the label
Always check the label on any cake decorating product to make sure the product is edible and intended for food use.
Avoid imports
Some imported products may not meet local food safety standards, meaning their labels may be unclear or inaccurate. And it is best to avoid purchasing products sold through foreign online marketplaces, as they are generally less regulated.
Use and store them carefully.
When using cake decorating products, you should always follow the instructions for use and apply only small amounts in well-ventilated areas. It is best to keep them away from children, especially if they have allergies or lung conditions such as asthma or cystic fibrosis. Remember to close or secure any open products and store them where small children cannot reach them.
