ANSES warns of the risk of inhaling decorative powders used in baking. Composed of metallic substances, they can cause poisoning.
- In the United States, health authorities have noted cases of heavy metal poisoning in children who have consumed these decorative powders.
- Polypnea is an increase in respiratory rate, with a decrease in the volume of inspired and expired air.
Pretty cakes, with finely made decorations and adorned with different colors: fashion is at the cake design in pastry, it consists in transforming pastries into true works of art. But pay attention to the products used to make these decorations. ANSES and the poison control centers warn of the risks of poisoning.
Three cases of poisoning linked to a powder used in the cake design
Last November, ANSES published a document concerning vigilance on chemical products, part of which was devoted to the cake design. “Sold in the form of gold, silver or copper powder, these metallic dyes must be diluted then applied using a brush or a spray gun, says the agency. However, these metal powders are not devoid of toxicity.“According to poison control centres, three cases of accidental inhalation have been reported in France in 2021. Two people suffered from a cough, difficulty breathing, and a short fever after inhaling a large amount of powder while baking a cake. The third case involves a child under the age of three who inhaled metal powder: “he also quickly presented with cough, polypnea and fever”, says ANSES. The child also suffered from pulmonary inflammatory syndrome, which resolved within two days.
????????Some powders marketed to decorate cakes and pastries are not edible, and can be confused with food colorings. #Holidays
???? Be careful when shopping!https://t.co/FiENRJWN0M pic.twitter.com/a1SguoaJy2
— Anses (@Anses_fr) December 17, 2021
Decorative powders that can enter the lungs
These three people inhaled the same golden decorative powder. The poison control centers therefore conducted research on the product: they found that it contained 30% zinc and 70% copper, in the form of very fine particles, “can penetrate deep into the lungs“. According to these experts, inhaling the particles caused symptoms similar to those of “fever of the metals“, an occupational disease affecting people working in welding or assembly.
Decorative powders: “inconspicuous information on their edible or non-edible character”
However, consumers were not sufficiently warned of the risk, since the packaging indicated that the powder was non-toxic. “Furthermore, the incriminated product displayed its non-edible nature; nevertheless, there are metal powders on the market which, on the contrary, are edible, raises ANSES. Packaging similarities and inconspicuous information on the edible or non-edible nature of these decorative powders could cause consumer confusion.” To limit the risks, ANSES recommends carefully checking the packaging to see if the product is edible or not, and using them in sufficiently ventilated rooms. These powders must be kept out of the reach of children.