A SWEET treat has turned into a sour nightmare.
More than 136,000 pies have been urgently recalled nationwide.
The FDA has done a Class II recall on Jessie Lord Bakery pies due to it having Yellow #5 food dye, which poses a lot of health risks[/caption]
Jessie Lord Bakery sells pies at mass retail shop Walmart[/caption]
A beloved bakery has pulled its 8-inch lemon meringue pies, including sugar-free versions, after the FDA revealed they contained Yellow #5, a food dye linked to allergic reactions.
The undeclared ingredient triggered an official Class II recall, with health experts warning that sensitive consumers could suffer hives, breathing problems, or other nasty side effects.
The pies weighed 27 ounces each and were shipped nationwide and sold in Walmart stores across 14 states, including California, New York, Florida, and Texas.
The affected products have the lot numbers 24050 through 25231.
They carry a best-by date of February 19, 2027, meaning many could still be at risk.
The recall traces back to California-based Jessie Lord Bakery, LLC.
The FDA has urged anyone who bought the recalled treats to toss them immediately or return them to the store for a refund.
SPECIFIC VARIETIES RECALLED
The recall involves four different lemon meringue pies, per the FDA’s recall notice.
Among them are Jessie’s Lemon Meringue Pie with item code 31811 1 and UPC 8 85523 31811 1.
As well as Jessie’s Lemon Meringue Pie Sugar Free with item code 30811 and UPC 8 85523 30811 2.
Another variation of Jessie’s Lemon Meringue Pie, identified by item code 08276 and UPC 0 41512 08275 7, is also affected.
The First Street Lemon Meringue Pie sold under a separate label with item code 84232 and UPC 000 41220 84232 2, is included in the recall.
LEGAL FALLOUT
Law firm Schmidt & Clark LLP has geared up for a lawsuit amidst the recall, encouraging consumers of the pies to pursue legal action.
“While no illnesses have been reported, affected consumers may be eligible to pursue legal claims for medical expenses, refunds, and emotional distress,” the firm’s website states.
Products that contain Yellow #5
- Cosmetics: Some lotions, shampoos, and makeup contain Yellow # 5.
- Beverages: Soft drinks, energy drinks, powdered drink mixes, fruit cordials, and some flavored alcoholic drinks.
- Desserts & Confectionery: Ice cream, ice pops, hard candies, gummy bears, marshmallows, cotton candy, and instant puddings.
- Baked Goods: Cake mixes, pastries, imitation lemon fillings, biscuits, and cookies.
- Snacks: Flavored corn chips, popcorn, and potato chips.
- Condiments & Spreads: Mustard, horseradish, pickles, and some processed sauces.
- Other Processed Foods: Cereals, instant soups, and flavored rice dishes.
The law firm has encouraged those who experienced an allergic reaction or incurred any kind of harm to pursue a liability lawsuit.
Depending on the state, the firm suggests it may take consumers up to 4 years to pursue the lawsuit.
MEDICAL RISKS
According to the FDA, the medical risks of Yellow #5, or tartrazine, which the pie includes, can cause itching and hives.
This food coloring is approved for general use with restrictions, but the FDA requires manufacturers to list it clearly on the label.
Due to the risks of this product, the FDA did a Class II recall on the product, which indicates that exposure to the product can cause adverse health consequences for those with an allergy.
Health and Human Services reported in April 2025 that the FDA has planned to eliminate six synthetic dyes by the end of 2026.
“For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent,” said Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
“These poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children’s health and development,” the secretary said.
“We have a new epidemic of childhood diabetes, obesity, depression, and ADHD,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.
“Given the growing concerns of doctors and parents about the potential role of petroleum-based food dyes, we should not be taking risks and do everything possible to safeguard the health of our children.”
