A metallic cake decorating powder has been urgently recalled across Australia after a toddler was placed in an induced coma following accidental exposure. The recall covers all five colours of the Creative brand lustre dust, which contain copper and zinc that can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.
The incident occurred on 1 May when Gold Coast toddler Dusty Wildman opened a container of gold decorating dust while his mother, professional baker Katie Robinson, was preparing a birthday cake. The child began coughing and showing signs of severe distress, becoming unresponsive with rolling eyes and difficulty breathing.
Paramedics rushed Dusty to Queensland Children’s Hospital, where doctors removed copper particles from his airways and lungs before placing him in an induced coma. Doctors warned that copper particles can accumulate in the lungs as the substance does not dissolve easily in blood. Dusty has since been removed from a breathing tube and is recovering, though possible long-term health complications remain.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advises consumers to stop using the product immediately, keep it out of reach of children, and return it for a refund. The product had been available since 2019. Supplier Crumb Australia had already withdrawn the product and contacted retailers before the formal recall.
Ms Robinson noted the packaging described the dust as “non-toxic” and intended “for use on removable cake parts”, but argued it was displayed alongside edible products, causing confusion. The recalled colours are rose gold, fiery copper, Dior gold, platinum silver, and champagne gold.
