They make cakes and cupcakes sparkle, but popular decorative glitters can contain toxic metals that aren't safe to eat.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that the products known as "luster dust" aren't all meant to be eaten even if they're labeled "nontoxic."
- Some should be used for display only (like a cake topper that's removed).
- The CDC cited one such report in 2018 of six children becoming sick after a birthday party, with symptoms including vomiting, that were consistent with heavy metal poisoning.
- They all ate a bakery cake with a thick layer of frosting mixed with a "gold dust."
- A public advisory from the Food and Drug Administration also warns about the potential hazards of eating decorative glitters.
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