A significant food recall is underway after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a Class II voluntary recall of over 136,000 cases of lemon meringue pies manufactured by Jessie Lord Bakery, LLC. The recall, made public on September 5, 2025, impacts consumers across 14 states due to the presence of undeclared Yellow #5 food coloring, also known as tartrazine. This artificial coloring agent can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly those with existing food sensitivities or asthma. The FDA’s announcement follows Jessie Lord Bakery’s voluntary initiation of the recall.
Massive Pie Recall: What You Need to Know
The voluntary recall by Jessie Lord Bakery, LLC, based in Torrance, California, involves a substantial quantity of their lemon meringue pie products. The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, indicating that while adverse health consequences may be temporary or medically reversible, the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. The recall highlights the importance of accurate food labeling and the potential health risks associated with undeclared allergens and additives.
Affected Products and Distribution
The recall encompasses 136,200 cases of 8-inch round lemon meringue pies, each weighing 27 ounces. According to the FDA announcement on September 5, 2025, the affected products include multiple varieties: Jessie’s lemon meringue pie, Jessie’s lemon meringue pie sugar-free, another unspecified Jessie’s lemon meringue pie variant, and First Street lemon meringue pie. These pies bear lot numbers ranging from 24050 through 25231 and have a “best by” date of February 19, 2027. The distribution of these pies spans across 14 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The Reason Behind the Recall: Undeclared Yellow #5
The primary driver behind this massive recall is the presence of undeclared Yellow #5 food coloring (tartrazine) in the lemon meringue pies. Federal regulations mandate clear labeling of this ingredient due to its potential to induce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. As noted in the FDA’s announcement, Yellow #5 can pose a risk, particularly to those with pre-existing food sensitivities or asthma. Failure to declare such ingredients on product labels constitutes a significant regulatory violation and can lead to adverse health outcomes for unsuspecting consumers. Rolling Out, The Economic Times, The Times of India, and The Healthy all reported on the recall, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with undeclared allergens.
Impact and Response to the Undeclared Allergen
The discovery of the labeling oversight occurred during routine quality control procedures implemented by Jessie Lord Bakery. In response, the company initiated the voluntary recall and has since implemented enhanced screening measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The FDA is working closely with Jessie Lord Bakery to ensure the complete removal of affected products from retail channels. The FDA stated that this cooperative effort aims to mitigate any potential health risks to consumers.
Consumer Guidance and Reporting Adverse Reactions
While no confirmed illnesses related to the recalled pies have been reported to date, consumers who have purchased the affected products are strongly advised to take immediate action. Individuals should check their freezers and pantries for the recalled pies, identified by the specific lot numbers and “best by” date. Consumers are urged to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Furthermore, the FDA encourages consumers to report any adverse reactions experienced after consuming the pies to both the FDA and Jessie Lord Bakery directly. This reporting helps in tracking and managing potential health impacts associated with the recall.
Jessie Lord Bakery’s Preventative Measures
Following the discovery of the undeclared Yellow #5, Jessie Lord Bakery has taken proactive steps to prevent future occurrences. According to the company’s statement, additional screening measures have been implemented to ensure accurate labeling of all ingredients. These measures include more rigorous checks during the manufacturing process and enhanced training for employees involved in labeling and packaging. Jessie Lord Bakery is committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and transparency to regain consumer trust. The Economic Times highlighted the company’s commitment to preventing future incidents.
Broader Implications and Future Regulations
This recall underscores the critical importance of accurate food labeling and robust quality control procedures within the food manufacturing industry. Undeclared allergens and additives can pose significant health risks to consumers, particularly those with sensitivities or allergies. The FDA plays a crucial role in enforcing labeling regulations and ensuring that food manufacturers adhere to these standards. The agency’s prompt response to this incident demonstrates its commitment to protecting public health.
FDA’s Planned Elimination of Synthetic Dyes
This incident also comes as the FDA plans to eliminate Yellow #5 and five other synthetic dyes from the food supply by the end of 2026. This initiative reflects a broader effort to reduce the presence of potentially harmful additives in food products. The FDA believes that removing these dyes will further safeguard public health and reduce the risk of adverse reactions. The Healthy reported extensively on the FDA’s plans to eliminate synthetic dyes, emphasizing the potential benefits for consumers.
The Future of Food Labeling
The Jessie Lord Bakery recall serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and complexities of food labeling. As consumer awareness of food sensitivities and allergies continues to grow, the demand for transparent and accurate labeling will only increase. Food manufacturers must invest in robust quality control systems and stay informed about evolving regulatory requirements to ensure that their products meet the highest standards of safety and transparency. The Times of India noted the increasing consumer demand for transparent food labeling.
Conclusion
The recall of over 136,000 cases of lemon meringue pies due to undeclared Yellow #5 highlights the importance of accurate food labeling and stringent quality control measures. Jessie Lord Bakery’s prompt response and the FDA’s oversight underscore the commitment to protecting public health. Consumers are urged to check their products and report any adverse reactions, while the food industry must continue to prioritize transparency and safety in food production and labeling practices. This incident also underscores the FDA’s commitment to eliminating harmful additives from the food supply, exemplified by their plan to remove Yellow #5 and other synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, further enhancing food safety for consumers.
