The Korea Consumer Agency recently noted that dyes which should not be used in custom-made cakes, such as 'photo print' cakes printed with photos or phrases and those decorated with fresh flowers and lettering, have been detected, raising concerns for consumers.
As a result of an investigation into 15 custom-made cakes advertised on social media, the Korea Consumer Agency found that one 'photo print' cake (Hajji cake) contained a dye prohibited for food use, known as 'Azorubine.' Another photo print cake (Bonito cake) exceeded the permissible levels of tar colorants. Azorubine is a red dye not approved for use in food products, and exposure to Azorubine mixtures may increase hyperactivity in children under 10.
Additionally, the Korea Consumer Agency's investigation revealed that all five types of fresh flower cakes examined were directly adorned with inedible ornamental flowers or had leaves attached. To decorate cakes with non-edible flowers, care must be taken to wrap the flower stems and leaves with plastic wrap or foil to prevent direct contact with the cake. However, the agency stated that such measures were insufficient, raising the possibility of contamination from pesticides.
Based on the findings of this investigation, the Korea Consumer Agency recommended that manufacturers and sellers of fresh flower, photo print, and lettering cakes improve their handling methods for non-edible decorative flowers, as well as the types and amounts of colorants used. The agency also plans to request safety inspections for new types of cake products, including fresh flower, photo print, and lettering cakes, from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Furthermore, consumers were advised to be aware of the consultation and ordering process when purchasing custom-made cakes, including refund policies, and to thoroughly check the types and conditions of product decorations, emphasizing that cakes should be consumed as soon as possible.