A cake decorating powder linked to a freak incident that landed a Queensland toddler in a coma has officially been recalled. All five colours of the Creative Cake Decorating powder were recalled by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The recall comes days after doctors told the parents of 14-month-old Dusty Wildman that he still needs monitoring for lung inflammation, nearly two weeks after inhaling the cake decorating dust that blocked his airways.
Product Details and Risks
The product's colours include Rose Gold, Fiery Copper, Dior Gold, Platinum Silver, and Champagne Gold. These powders have been on sale since 2019 and were sold at major retailers including Cakers Warehouse, Bake and Deco, Cakers Paradise, and Cake Deco Supplies. While the powder is not designed to be ingested, it was used to decorate removable food ornaments. It may contain copper and zinc, which are toxic if ingested or inhaled.
The Incident
Dusty's ordeal began when his mother, Katie Robinson, was baking a cake using decorative gold dust powder at their Gold Coast home earlier this month. Dusty got hold of the powder, opened the pot with his teeth, and inhaled it, triggering a medical emergency. He is now breathing unaided and showing encouraging signs of recovery, playing and smiling. A family friend, Rochelle, said: 'When the dust is mixed with water it turns to paste - so it immediately blocked Dusty's lungs. He went unresponsive and she (Katie Robinson) called 000.'
Medical Response
Dusty was rushed to Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane, where doctors acted quickly to save his life. He was diagnosed with chemical pneumonitis, a serious condition caused by inhaling toxic substances. He underwent emergency surgery to remove the powder from his lungs and was placed in an induced coma. Dusty's mother said last week that he is beginning to regain strength, but his voice remains very raspy. 'Our beautiful boy is awake and alert, playing and smiling. This morning he had all breathing assistance taken out and is breathing completely on his own. He just has the feeding tube in while we try and get some food in orally,' she said.
Family Warning
Dusty's family has warned others to check their kitchens for 'non-edible dusts'. 'He was coughing and getting really distressed and then he sort of became a bit more unresponsive. His eyes were rolling in his head and he couldn't breathe properly. It was terrifying to watch. All these products look exactly the same and the fact that there are toxic, non-edible products sitting right next to edible products that do the same job, technically, is the problem,' Ms Robinson said.
Recall Action
The ACCC on Monday advised consumers to stop using the products immediately and contact the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone who suspects they inhaled or ingested the powder is advised to call the Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26 for advice.
