Duncan Hines is recalling 2.4 million boxes of cake mix because of a link to salmonella.
The recall affects Classic White, Classic Butter Golden, Signature Confetti and Classic Yellow varieties of cake mix, according to Conagra Brands, Duncan Hines’ parent company.
It comes at a tough time as all cake mix sales continue to decline, following a years-long trend.
What’s more, the holiday period, which starts just after Halloween, tends to provide a boost.
The recall affects Classic White, Classic Butter Golden, Signature Confetti and Classic Yellow varieties of cake mix, according to Conagra Brands, Duncan Hines’ parent company
The affected boxes have expiration dates between March 7-13, 2019.
Most of the boxes were distributed in the US but some were shipped internationally. Chicago-based Conagra said it is still determining what other countries may be impacted.
In a statement, the US Food and Drug Administration said it informed Conagra after it tested a sample of cake mix and found that it contained salmonella.
It was the same strain that sickened people in five cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control.
The FDA says consumers should not eat or bake with the mix.
Duncan Hines, founded by a traveling salesman and restaurant guide author in the early 20th century, is America’s second most popular cake mix brand behind Betty Crocker.
However, while the cake mix market is still a hefty one, with a value of nearly $4 billion, it has been sinking since the economic crash of 2008.
William Roberts Jr, a senior food & drink analyst for market research firm Mintel, says it seems Americans still love cakes, but are turning to even more convenient options – namely buying cakes in stores.
‘That lack of growth is not necessarily the result of consumer dissatisfaction, but it is resulting more from a consumer interest in options that are even more convenient and easy – namely, options from stand-alone and in-store bakeries,’ Roberts Jr said.