King Cheesecake Recall: What Happened and What You Need to Know

You’ve probably heard about the King Cheesecake recall by now. If not, imagine this: you pick up a decadent frozen cheesecake or layer cake from the freezer aisle, expecting a sweet treat later, but then discover that the product has been recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination. It can be alarming! In this post, we’ll walk you through what’s behind this recall, why it matters for food safety, and exactly what you should do if you bought one of the affected products. Think of it like a safety drill for your grocery bag. We’ll cover the timeline of events, which products are involved, how to recognize symptoms if you were exposed, and practical steps to protect yourself and your family.

First, a quick look at the company behind the recall:

King Cheesecake Company is a small, family-run business known for supplying frozen desserts to restaurants, schools, and some retail stores in the southern US. (In fact, it’s been a certified minority-owned supplier and long-time partner of major foodservice groups.) Since 1984 they’ve aimed to deliver “high quality desserts” with great customer service. Unfortunately, even trusted brands can run into trouble: in mid-2025 the company discovered that some of its pecan-topped cakes might harbor Salmonella, triggering a voluntary recall.

What is a recall?

In general, a food recall is when a company (often at the FDA’s request) removes a product from the market because it “may cause injury or illness,” such as when contamination is possible. Recalls are usually voluntary, but the FDA can step in if needed. In this case, King Cheesecake Company announced on July 18, 2025, that it was recalling six of its cake products made between 06/20/2025 and 07/14/2025. The FDA later classified this as a Class I recall (the highest level of concern), meaning there’s a reasonable probability the contaminated product could cause serious health consequences. This doesn’t necessarily mean everyone will get sick – it’s a precaution – but it’s an urgent warning to be careful.

Now let’s break down the key facts with some easy-to-scan tables and lists. We’ll also highlight symptoms to watch for, safety tips, and practical steps you can take. Throughout, we’ll cite official guidance and reports to keep things accurate and up-to-date.

King Cheesecake Recall Timeline

The recall unfolded over several weeks as more information came in. Here’s a quick timeline of what happened:

Affected Products & Distribution

Six different cake products were included in the King Cheesecake recall. The affected items (with production dates, item numbers, and distribution) are listed below. Note that all these cakes contain pecans, which is where the Salmonella concern arose:

Health Risks & Symptoms

Why is this recall happening? The issue is Salmonella, a type of bacteria that causes foodborne illness (salmonellosis) in people. Salmonella germs can live on or in certain foods – often raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, meats, and sometimes nuts or produce. In this case, routine internal testing by King Cheesecake Company indicated that the pecans in the recalled cakes might be contaminated with Salmonella. The company and FDA are treating this as a worst-case risk scenario, meaning that even if no illnesses have been reported yet, the potential is there. Hence the Class I (highest-risk) classification.

What does Salmonella infection look like

Most cases result in gastrointestinal symptoms. Typical signs of salmonellosis include:

• Diarrhea (often watery, and it can sometimes contain blood or mucus).
• Fever and severe stomach cramps.
• Other symptoms can include headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Symptoms usually appear 6–72 hours after eating the contaminated food and can last 4–7 days. In most healthy people, the illness is uncomfortable but resolves on its own. However, it can be serious, especially for vulnerable groups. The FDA warns that Class I contaminants like this can cause serious health consequences or even death if the dose is high enough and people are susceptible. Infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems need to be especially careful.

Here’s a quick way to remember the main symptoms of a Salmonella infection (also known as salmonellosis):

• Watery diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus.
• High fever (often above 102°F) and chills.
• Severe abdominal (stomach) cramps.
• Possible vomiting, nausea, headache, and dehydration.

If you notice these symptoms after eating a recalled King Cheesecake product (or any possibly contaminated food), see a doctor right away and tell them what you ate. The FDA advises anyone who thinks they got sick from a recalled food to report it to their healthcare provider. Doctors can test for Salmonella and provide supportive care (fluids, etc.) to help you recover.

Keep in mind that not everyone who eats contaminated food gets sick. The illness depends on how many bacteria were in the food and the person’s own susceptibility. But because the FDA classified this recall as Class I – the highest risk – it’s important not to ignore it. In other words, playing it safe is the best move here.

What to Do If You Have Recalled Cheesecake Products

First things first: If you have any of the recalled King Cheesecake products in your home, do NOT eat them. Even if they look and smell fine, they could still carry Salmonella. Here’s a step-by-step list of what you should do, according to FDA guidance and the company’s recall notice:

• Stop eating them immediately. Do not taste or serve the product to anyone (including pets).
• Dispose or return: Wrap the product securely (e.g. double-bag it) and throw it away in the trash. Alternatively, if you purchased it from a store, you can return it for a full refund – most retailers will accept recalled items and issue you credit.
• Clean and sanitize: If you stored or served the product at home, wash any surfaces, dishes, utensils, and refrigerator walls that it touched. The FDA recommends washing with soapy water and then sanitizing with a bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of hot water). This helps eliminate any stray bacteria. Don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward!
• Monitor your health: Over the next week, watch for Salmonella symptoms (see the list above). If you or anyone who ate the product shows symptoms like diarrhea, fever, or cramps, contact your healthcare provider right away. Mention that you might have been exposed to Salmonella from a recalled food. Early intervention can prevent complications.
• Report it: You can also report any illness or concerns to your local health department or the FDA. The FDA has a [Complaint Coordinate Reporting System](https://www.fda.gov/food/industry-and- consumer-assistance/industry-and-consumer-assistance- centers-food-safety-and-applied-nutrition-fsar/) for food-related problems. Reporting helps health officials track outbreaks.

Putting these steps into practice ensures you minimize risk. Returning or disposing of the recalled items gets them out of circulation. Cleaning up and washing hands eliminates any hidden germs. And seeing a doctor early if you feel sick keeps you safe.

Food Safety Tips for the Future

While the King Cheesecake recall is an unusual event, it’s also a good reminder about general food safety. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind whenever you’re buying or handling any food:

• Stay Informed: Sign up for recall alerts from reliable sources (FDA, CDC) or news outlets. Sometimes recalls are only announced in specialty reports, so proactive checking (or subscribing to bulletins) can save you trouble.
• Read Labels: Always check packaging labels and item numbers against recall lists. Packaging photos are often included in official recall notices to help you spot the product.
• Wash Hands & Produce: Before cooking or eating, wash your hands thoroughly with soap for 20 seconds. Also rinse fruits and vegetables under running water to remove dirt and bacteria (even if they are pre-packaged).
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods in your fridge and while preparing meals. For example, use different cutting boards for raw meat and for vegetables or baked goods.
• Cook Thoroughly: Many foodborne germs (like Salmonella) are killed by adequate cooking. Always cook meats to a safe internal temperature and pasteurize eggs. (In this recall, the cakes were already fully cooked, so reheating wouldn’t necessarily eliminate Salmonella from the nuts.)
• Proper Storage: Refrigerate perishable foods promptly at 40°F (4°C) or below, and do not leave perishables out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
• Check Shelf Life: Use or freeze refrigerated leftovers within a few days. Spoilage or staleness can sometimes harbor bacteria.

These steps might seem routine, but each one helps reduce the chance of foodborne illness. Recalls like this underscore that even sweet treats deserve careful handling.

Conclusion

Food recalls can sound scary, but they exist precisely to protect you. The King Cheesecake recall is a proactive measure after finding a potential contamination risk in certain products. By following the recall instructions – don’t eat the affected cakes, dispose or return them, clean surfaces, and watch for symptoms – you can avoid getting sick. Remember, the FDA’s Class I alert means they are taking no chances, but it doesn’t mean widespread illness has occurred.

For now, if you encounter a King Cheesecake product at home, treat it like any other recalled food: out it goes or back to the store for a refund. If you felt fine after eating one of these cakes, that’s great news – but still keep an eye out for any diarrhea, fever, or stomach cramps. If anything shows up, reach out to a doctor and mention the recall.

Staying safe often means staying informed. Keep an eye on FDA or USDA updates (depending on the product) for any new information. For now, you’ve got the facts and tips you need regarding the King Cheesecake recall. Enjoy that sweet slice again soon – and in the meantime, maybe try a safe-certified dessert (or any other fully cooked, unrelated treat)!

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