During 2018-2019, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) investigated cases of metal poisonings associated with commercially and home-prepared cakes decorated with products known as luster dust. Luster dust is used for decorating prepared foods and can be purchased online and in craft and bakery supply stores.

In October 2018, the RIDOH received a report that 6 children aged 1-11 years became ill after attending a child's birthday party. Investigators determined that all 6 children consumed birthday cake purchased at a local bakery. The cake was decorated with a thick layer of frosting mixed with luster dust. Symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea began 30 minutes to 10 hours. No one was hospitalized and no one died

In May 2019 the Missouri DHSS identified a cake decorating material referred to as primrose petal as a lead hazard during an environmental investigation of an elevated blood lead level in child less than 1 year old. Laboratory testing indicated that a sample of the primrose petal dust contained 250,000 ppm (25%) lead. The child was not hospitalized and did not die.