Toddler Hospitalized After Inhaling Metallic Cake Powder; Nationwide Recall Issued
A 14-month-old boy remains hospitalized after inhaling a metallic cake decorating powder on the Gold Coast. The product's manufacturer has issued a nationwide recall for five related powders.
Incident
On Friday, May 6, toddler Dustin Wildman inhaled approximately one tablespoon of metallic gold dust while his mother, baker Katie Robinson, was preparing a cake in her studio in the Gold Coast.
According to reports, the child opened a drawer, removed the cap from a pot of the powder using his teeth, and inhaled the substance. He began coughing, became increasingly unsettled, and later became unresponsive.
Paramedics transported him to Queensland Children's Hospital, where he underwent surgery to flush out his lungs. Doctors placed him in an induced coma following the procedure.
Product Details and Lab Analysis
Hospital laboratory testing of the product revealed it contained zinc and copper. Medical professionals identified copper as the most damaging component.
The product label stated it was intended for removable cake ornaments only, but did not include an ingredient list or information regarding edibility or toxicity. Robinson stated she had not previously purchased the product and noted it was sold alongside edible lustre dusts.
"Fine particles entering the airways of toddlers can cause respiratory distress, coughing, and difficulty breathing." — Dr. Nick Yim, President of the Australian Medical Association Queensland
Recall
Crumb Australia Pty Ltd has issued a recall for five metallic cake decorating powders from its Creative Cake Decorating range. The affected products are:
- Rose Gold
- Fiery Copper
- Dior Gold
- Platinum Silver
- Champagne Gold
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced the recall on Monday. The products have been sold nationwide in cake and baking stores and online since August 2019. They were removed from shelves on May 6.
The ACCC stated that the powders may contain copper and zinc dust, which can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. The products are intended for use on removable ornaments only and not for direct consumption.
Consumers are advised to:
- Stop using the products immediately
- Keep them out of reach of children
- Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund
For more information, contact Crumb Australia at 0458 686 858 or email creativecakedecoratingau@gmail.com. In case of suspected inhalation or ingestion with breathing difficulty, call 000 or the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Robinson stated that the company behind the product had contacted its stockists to stop selling the dust.
Current Medical Status
According to the mother, after two weeks in an induced coma, Dustin is now awake, alert, and breathing without assistance. He no longer requires breathing support but continues to have a feeding tube while working on oral intake.
Doctors are monitoring lung inflammation caused by the material, which solidified into a paste-like substance after inhalation. His voice remains raspy, and medical professionals are continuing to assess the potential for permanent damage.