A California bakery has issued a major recall involving more than 136,000 cases of lemon meringue pies distributed across 14 states after the FDA discovered an undeclared ingredient that could pose health risks.
The FDA announced on September 5 that Jessie Lord Bakery, LLC, based in Torrance, California, voluntarily recalled 136,200 cases of various lemon meringue pie products due to the presence of undeclared Yellow #5 food coloring. This artificial coloring can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those with food sensitivities or asthma.
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- 4 States and Distribution
- 5 Four Specific Pie Varieties Recalled
- 6 Understanding Yellow #5 Risks
- 7 FDA Classification & Consumer Guidance
- 8 Company Response
States and Distribution
The recalled pies were sent to retail stores in:
Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Consumers across these states may have purchased the affected products from grocery stores and retail outlets.
The recall involves 8-inch round lemon meringue pies weighing 27 ounces each, with lot numbers 24050 through 25231 and a “best by” date of February 19, 2027.
Four Specific Pie Varieties Recalled
The recall covers four products:
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Jessie’s Lemon Meringue Pie — Item Code: 31811 1 | UPC: 8 85523 31811 1
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Jessie’s Lemon Meringue Pie Sugar Free — Item Code: 30811 | UPC: 8 85523 30811 2
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Jessie’s Lemon Meringue Pie Variant — Item Code: 08276 | UPC: 0 41512 08275 7
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First Street Lemon Meringue Pie — Item Code: 84232 | UPC: 000 41220 84232 2
Understanding Yellow #5 Risks
Yellow #5 (Tartrazine) is an artificial food coloring widely used in processed foods, beverages, and baked goods. While FDA-approved, labeling is mandatory due to potential allergic reactions.
Possible symptoms include:
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Hives, itching, or swelling
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Breathing difficulties
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Increased reactions in individuals sensitive to aspirin or with asthma
The lack of proper labeling prevents consumers from making informed choices and raises health risks for vulnerable populations.
FDA Classification & Consumer Guidance
The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, meaning exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, though the risk of serious harm remains low.
Consumers should:
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Check product labels against the recalled item codes and UPCs
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Stop using affected products immediately
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Contact the retailer for refunds or returns
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Seek medical advice if they experience adverse reactions
Company Response
Jessie Lord Bakery initiated the voluntary recall after a labeling oversight was found during routine quality checks. The company has added stricter screening measures and is working closely with the FDA to remove affected products from stores.
No illnesses have been reported so far, but consumers are urged to report any adverse reactions to both the FDA and Jessie Lord Bakery.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
