
[ALERT] Poisonous Food Additive FOUND in… Birthday Cake!?
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Cakes sure aren’t what they used to be!
I hate to sound so cranky, but when I was a kid a “special” cake was one that had a different flavored icing than the cake.
I mean, chocolate cake with vanilla icing – THAT was crazy.
Today it’s different. There’s cakes that look like animals, or even other foods like hamburgers or sushi… and some are truly works of art!
But in the rush to satisfy bigger and crazier baking demands, the food industry has forgotten a basic rule of thumb…
The ingredients probably shouldn’t kill us.
Yet a recent report has revealed that this poisonous food additive was found in an innocent birthday cake.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Perhaps when you read the headline, you thought this might be about the harms of sugar or processed fats. And while you should avoid those things as best you can, this post is about something different.
I’m talking about luster dust.
If you don’t know what luster dust is, you’ve probably seen it (and eaten it) at a wedding or birthday party in the last few years.
Luster dust is a decorating powder that gives cakes and other foods a shiny or metallic look.
There’s just one problem with luster dusts – some are not meant to be eaten, even when they’re labeled “non-toxic.”
In a publication put out by Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (a publication of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), researchers found MANY cases of poisoning from the use of luster dust – with some children and adults ending up in the emergency room with heavy metal poisoning.
The report says use of the words “food-grade,” “edible food-grade,” and “non-toxic” are confusing.
And all of this doesn’t even begin to broach the question of coloring dyes that make the cakes attractive… who knows what’s in those!
As of now, I’d suggest avoiding any icing that looks otherworldly. Eating the center of the cake is usually safe.
And if you’re a baker, leave the glitter for the grandkids’ art projects. Try working with natural cake decorating ingredients instead. You can even order natural baking supplies online here.
SIGNOFF
P.S. Did you know that there’s a baking spice that can also BOOST your immune system? Find out what it is, right here.
SOURCE:
Reinberg, Steven. “Pretty poison: ‘Luster dust’ sprinkled on cakes can be toxic.” 10/29/2021. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-10-pretty-poison-luster-sprinkled-cakes.html

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Why Your Muscles Are Your Brain's Best Defense
Forget expensive brain scans and head-scratching cognitive tests that make you feel like you’re back in school. Japanese researchers have stumbled onto something that could change how we screen for memory problems—and it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. A quick, painless measurement you can get during a routine checkup might...
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...