Pies Recalled in US: Full List & Reason

Pies Recalled in US: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2025 Lemon Meringue Crisis

A Sweet Threat: When Dessert Becomes Dangerous

Imagine bringing home a beautifully golden lemon meringue pie for a family celebration. The fluffy meringue peaks promise sweetness, the lemon filling offers tangy perfection. But beneath this delightful appearance lurks an unlabeled ingredient that could turn your celebration into a medical emergency. This isn't hypothetical it's the reality for thousands of consumers across 14 states after Jessie Lord Bakery issued a massive pies recalled alert affecting over 136,000 products in September 2025, the food safety landscape witnessed another significant event when a California-based bakery initiated one of the year's most substantial dessert recalls. The culprit? Undeclared Yellow 5, a synthetic food coloring known to trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals . This incident highlights the critical importance of food labeling accuracy and reveals the vulnerabilities in our food supply chain.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the 2025 pies recalled crisis, offering consumers vital information about affected products, health implications, and practical response strategies. We'll explore the science behind the recall reason, document the full list of recalled items, and provide expert insights into food safety protocols in the modern food manufacturing industry.

The Breakdown: Understanding the 2025 Pie Recall

What Happened?

On September 5, 2025, Jessie Lord Bakery, LLC, based in Torrance, California, announced a voluntary recall of 136,200 cases of various lemon meringue pie products . The decision came after a quality control review discovered that these products contained Yellow #5 (tartrazine), a synthetic food coloring that wasn't declared on the product labels the pies recalled were distributed to retail stores across 14 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin . This wide distribution means that thousands of consumers potentially purchased these products before the recall was announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified this as a Class II recall, defined as "a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote" .

Why Yellow 5 Matters

Yellow 5, also known as tartrazine, is an FDA-approved synthetic food coloring commonly used in processed foods, beverages, and baked goods . While approved for general use, federal regulations mandate that manufacturers clearly list this ingredient on product labels due to its potential to cause adverse reactions in certain individuals .

For people with sensitivities to Yellow 5, consumption can trigger symptoms including:

  ● Hives and skin rash

  ● Itching and swelling

  ● Difficulty breathing

  ● Asthma-like symptoms

  ● Allergic-type reactions 

The coloring has been particularly linked to reactions in individuals with aspirin sensitivities or asthma . A study published in May 2020 by Wolters Kluwer connected Yellow #5 to increased behavioral problems, skin allergies, respiratory symptoms, and digestive issues in children with ADHD Interestingly, the FDA has announced plans to "eliminate" six synthetic dyes from the food supply by the end of 2026, including Yellow 5 This regulatory shift reflects growing concerns about the health implications of artificial food colorings.

Complete List of Recalled Products

If you have purchased lemon meringue pies in recent weeks, particularly in the 14 states mentioned, you should immediately check your pantry or refrigerator for the following products. The pies recalled all share specific identifying characteristics 

Product Name	Item Code	UPC Code	Size	Best By Date
Jessie's Lemon Meringue Pie	31811	8 85523 31811 1	8" round, 27 oz	February 19, 2027
Jessie's Lemon Meringue Pie Sugar Free	30811	8 85523 30811 2	8" round, 27 oz	February 19, 2027
Jessie's Lemon Meringue Pie (alternate variant)	08276	0 41512 08275 7	8" round, 27 oz	February 19, 2027

Comprehensive list of recalled pie products

All affected products have lot numbers ranging from 24050 through 25231 and bear the "best by" date of February 19, 2027 . These pies recalled were produced as 8-inch round pies with a net weight of 27 ounces 

Beyond Lemon Meringue: Other Recent Pie Recalls

While the Jessie Lord Bakery recall dominates current news, it's not the only pie-related safety concern in recent months. In June 2025, Pieminister Kitchens recalled various meat and vegetarian pies in the United Kingdom due to a labeling error that could make them unsafe for consumption the British company announced that multiple pie varieties that should have had a June 24, 2025 use-by date were instead labeled with a June 24, 2026 date . The products were therefore not safe to eat beyond their intended use-by date of June 24, 2025 .

Affected products included

 ● Pieminister Moo - British Beef Steak and Craft Ale Pie

 ● Pieminister Moo & Blue - British Beef Steak and Stilton Pie

 ● Pieminister Kate & Sidney - British Beef Steak, Kidney and Craft Ale Pie

 ● Pieminister Deer & Beer - Venison, Milk Stout, Mushroom and Thyme Pie

 ● Various chicken, vegetarian, and vegan options 

Though this recall occurred in the UK, it highlights a global pattern of food safety issues affecting baked goods and prepared foods. It also demonstrates how different types of labeling errors from undeclared ingredients to incorrect dates can potentially compromise consumer safety.

The Science Behind the Risk: Understanding Yellow #5 Sensitivity

What Makes Yellow #5 Problematic?

Tartrazine (Yellow #5) is a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye derived from petroleum . While the FDA currently approves it for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics, it remains one of the most controversial food additives due to its potential health effects.

The mechanism behind reactions to Yellow #5 isn't fully understood, but research suggests it may

 ● Trigger the release of histamine in susceptible individuals

 ● Cross-react with aspirin sensitivity

 ● Exacerbate asthma symptoms in predisposed people

 ● Affect behavior in children with attention disorders 

Genetic factors appear to play a role in sensitivity, with some people metabolizing the dye differently than others. Those with pre-existing conditions like asthma, chronic urticaria, or aspirin sensitivity are at higher risk for adverse reactions .

Identifying Symptoms of Sensitivity

If you've consumed one of the pies recalled in this initiative, watch for these potential symptoms :

 ● Skin reactions: Hives, itching, redness, or swelling

 ● Respiratory issues: Wheezing, difficulty breathing, nasal congestion

 ● Gastrointestinal symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

 ● General allergic symptoms: Runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes

In severe cases, Yellow #5 sensitivity can trigger anaphylaxis a life-threatening allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention. However, it's important to note that as of the recall announcement, no confirmed illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled pies 

Historical Context: Pie Recalls in Perspective

The current pies recalled situation joins a long history of food safety incidents in the United States. Some of the most significant food recalls in U.S. history include 

１ Peanut Corporation of America (2009): A deadly salmonella outbreak traced to peanut products       killed nine people and sickened over 700 across 46 states.

２ Blue Bell Creameries (2015): Listeria contamination in ice cream products hospitalized ten people     and caused three deaths.

３ Jif Peanut Butter (2022): Salmonella contamination led to a massive nationwide recall affecting       millions of jars.

While the current pie recall is classified as Class II (indicating less severe potential consequences than these historical examples), it nonetheless highlights ongoing challenges in food safety monitoring and labeling accuracy

The economic impact of such recalls is substantial. A 2025 analysis by the Food Industry Association estimated that the average grocery recall costs retailers between $10-100 million in direct costs, not including brand damage and lost consumer trust.

Consumer Action Guide: What to Do If You Purchased Recalled Pies

If you have purchased any of the pies recalled in this initiative, follow these steps 

１ Stop consumption immediately: Discontinue eating the product and ensure others in your household   are aware of the recall.

２ Check your product: Compare the UPC code, item code, and best-by date with the information in   the recall notice (provided earlier in this article).

３ Return for refund: Return the product to the store where you purchased it for a full refund. Most   retailers have streamlined processes for handling recalled items.

４ Monitor for symptoms: If you've already consumed the product, watch for any signs of allergic   reaction or sensitivity. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop, especially if you have known   sensitivities to food dyes or aspirin.

５ Report reactions: If you experience adverse effects, report them to both the FDA and Jessie Lord   Bakery. This information helps regulatory agencies track patterns and identify widespread issues.

６ Stay informed: Sign up for recall alerts through the FDA's website to receive immediate notification   of future food safety issues .

Industry Implications: The Ripple Effects of a Major Recall

The pies recalled situation extends beyond consumer safety to impact various aspects of the food industry

Supply Chain Disruptions

A recall of this magnitude (136,200 cases) creates significant disruptions throughout the supply chain. Retailers must remove products from shelves, process returns, and address customer concerns. Distributors face logistical challenges in tracking and retrieving distributed products. Suppliers may experience order cancellations or increased scrutiny of their ingredients.

Brand Reputation Damage

For Jessie Lord Bakery, this recall represents not just immediate financial loss but potential long-term brand damage. Consumer trust, once broken, can take years to rebuild. The company's response—voluntary recall initiation, transparency about the issue, and commitment to improved processes—will significantly influence their recovery trajectory.

Regulatory Attention

Recalls often trigger increased regulatory scrutiny for both the involved company and similar operations. The FDA may conduct additional inspections, review labeling practices industry-wide, or accelerate plans to address problematic ingredients like synthetic dyes.

Prevention and Outlook: The Future of Food Safety

In response to the pies recalled crisis, Jessie Lord Bakery has implemented additional screening measures to prevent similar incidents and is working closely with FDA investigators to ensure complete removal of affected products from retail channels the company stated: "Jessie Lord Bakery initiated the recall voluntarily after discovering the labeling oversight during routine quality control procedures. The company is working alongside the FDA to remove affected pies from store shelves and has pledged to strengthen its labeling and screening procedures to prevent future oversights" .

This incident highlights several areas for potential improvement in food safety systems:

１ Enhanced Label Verification: Automated systems that cross-reference ingredients with label   declarations could catch discrepancies before products ship.

２ Supply Chain Transparency: Better documentation of ingredient sources and compositions could   help identify potential issues earlier in the production process.

３ Consumer Education: Increasing public awareness about food labeling and potential allergens   empowers consumers to make safer choices.

４ Regulatory Evolution: The FDA's plan to eliminate certain synthetic dyes from the food supply   reflects a shifting approach to food safety that prioritizes preventive measures rather than reactive   recalls.

Conclusion: Turning Crisis into Awareness

The September 2025 pies recalled incident serves as a powerful reminder that food safety requires constant vigilance from manufacturers, regulators, and consumers alike. While the immediate risk from these specific lemon meringue pies has been addressed through the recall, the broader issues of accurate labeling and ingredient transparency remain ongoing challenges in our complex food system for consumers, this situation underscores the importance of paying attention to recall notices and understanding food labels. For the industry, it represents both a cautionary tale and an opportunity to strengthen safety protocols. And for regulators, it provides additional evidence supporting the move toward eliminating potentially problematic additives from the food supply As we move forward, the collaboration between these groups will determine whether recalls of this scale become less frequent occurrences. Until then, staying informed, reading labels carefully, and responding appropriately to safety notices remain the best strategies for protecting yourself and your family from food-related risks.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about an ongoing food recall. For the most current and specific information, please refer to the FDA's official recall announcements and consult with healthcare professionals regarding any health concerns related to food consumption.