Bread sold in Texas urgently recalled over chemical linked to cancer

A popular packaged bread brand sold in Texas has been urgently recalled by FDA after its products were found to contain an undeclared chemical linked to cancer.
A routine inspection by The State of Texas Health and Human Services found certain products of the brand had undeclared milk and Yellow 5 - a synthetic colour used in food and cosmetic industries. It is linked to cancer concerns and is banned in parts of Europe. However, US FDA allows it, although companies are required to list all ingredients on their label.
More than 600 cases of Dense Brioche Pullman loaves and over 100 cases of its 4.5in Brioche HB Buns have been recalled by The Bakery Group.
The affected products were sold between December 2024 and March 2025, and were distributed to local grocery stores in Fort Worth and Dallas. Health officials are urging consumers to check their bread packaging and discard or return the items due to potential health risks, especially for individuals with milk allergies or sensitivities to food dyes.


Dense Brioche Pullman loaves have the product code 654293 and the Brioche Hamburger Buns are labeled 54500.
Upon investigation it was found the issue happened due to human error in labeling and packaging. The same has been corrected as of March 19, said the FDA.

The products had undeclared milk and Yellow 5, a synthetic dye derived from petroleum. Animal studies have found to carcinogens like benzidine (STOCK) in it. As for milk, people allergic to it can develop a life threatening reaction called anaphylaxis which may trigger skin rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, and shock.

Yellow 5 food dye also known as tartrazine gives water a bright, lemon-yellow color when dissolved in water. It is used in many foods and drinks like cereal, sodas, gelatin, yoghurt, juices and spices. It is also found in products like lipsticks, mouthwash, shampoos, etc
have suggested the food dye can lead to hyperactivity in some children, especially those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). have also linked it to cancer.
However, many food companies in the US continue to add food dye, but they are required to declare it on the label.
Food recalls are categorized into different classes with Class I representing the highest category of risk as it's linked to severe and life-threatening allergic reactions.
The bread recall was classified as a Class II, which means the use of or exposure to a product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, and the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote,' as per FDA.
Milk may trigger life-threatening reaction anaphylaxis in certain people like skin rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, and shock. An epinephrine (adrenaline) shot like EpiPen is required to treat anaphylaxis. Some of the milder signs of milk allergy are wheezing, hives, and digestive problems.