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Cake Recall Update as FDA Sets Highest Concern Level for Multiple Products
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A recall of numerous cake products due to potential salmonella contamination has been issued the highest risk warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
King Cheesecake Company, Inc., based in Texas, issued a voluntary recall for six products on July 18 as pecans contained with the cakes may have been contaminated. The FDA later issued a Class I risk classification for the recall on August 7.
Newsweek contacted King Cheesecake Company, Inc. for comment by email outside of regular working hours.
Stock image. King Cheesecake Company, Inc. issued a voluntary recall for six products on July 18 due to potential salmonella contamination.
Stock image. King Cheesecake Company, Inc. issued a voluntary recall for six products on July 18 due to potential salmonella contamination.
Silas Stein/picture-alliance/dpa/AP
Why It Matters
A Class I risk classification represents "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," according to the FDA.
Salmonella bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. Symptoms typically develop 12 to 72 hours after infection, and usually last between four and seven days.
Typical symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. People experiencing more severe infections may also suffer high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, rashes and blood in their urine.
Infections can become fatal on rare occasions, with about 450 people dying each year from salmonellosis, according to the FDA.
The infection is particularly dangerous for young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
What To Know
The products affected by the recall include the following:
Assorted Layer Cake
Italian Layer Cake
Carrot Layer Cake
Tres Leches Cheesecake
Hummingbird Layer Cake
Chocolate Tres Leches Cheesecake
The products were manufactured between June 20 and July 14. They were distributed to Alabama, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Illinois.
What People Are Saying
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance on salmonella: "In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other parts of the body."
The FDA, on its website: "Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe salmonellosis infections.
"Wash the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator, cutting boards and countertops, and utensils that may have contacted contaminated foods; then sanitize them with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of hot water; dry with a clean cloth or paper towel that has not been previously used.
"People with pets should take special care to avoid cross-contamination when preparing their pet's food. Be sure to pick up and thoroughly wash food dishes as soon as pets are done eating, and prevent children, the elderly, and any other people with weak immune systems from handling or being exposed to the food or pets that have eaten potentially contaminated food."
What Happens Next
The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA.
Consumers who purchased the affected products should not consume them.
