Real or Fake: Follow up

Last week I wrote about the rampant problem of counterfeit products flooding the cake decorating market. I am excited to tell you that the post received very positive feedback across social media. Countless people shared the post on their personal pages, their business pages, in their cake decorating group pages. It was a really encouraging sign that many in the cake decorating community not only agreed with our position on the dangers of these tools, but also encouraging to know that the community WANTS safe, high quality products!

Our excitement over the solidarity we felt was dampened by the fact that we discovered more shops on social media selling illegal knock-off products. This one page was selling items ripped off from Katy Sue Deigns, PME, FMM, and Lauren Kitchens! Some of the knock offs are even pictured as the same color as the original molds! Though, I wonder if the images of the molds were pulled off the original designers’ websites and used in their shop (while the knock-off seller actually sends the cruddy, none FDA approved silicone!). I was just looking at the offending Facebook page before I began writing; it is so frustrating that they claim to sell high quality products when they are obvious fakes. I also noted that on this page, it stated the materials were FDA approved. In my last post I noted that if counterfeit sellers like about the design and quality, it’s no stretch to assume they are lying about the products being food safe.

However, I had a thought since I posted the last blog. If a business in the USA is selling these products, they have done none of their own research, development, or design. They buy the knock-offs from an overseas manufacturer who may SAY that the material is food safe. Unlike a person like Chef Nicholas who will take all necessary steps to ensure the material is in compliance with all FDA rules and regulations, a business may just take the manufacturer at its word. In light of my last post, this could be dangerous and unsafe. Remember, that cheap price tag comes at the cost of quality and safety.

Think of it this way. You own a successful cake business. You have loyal clients because you make yummy desserts with the very best ingredients. Then you notice that your clients stop ordering from you. You find out another baker has come into your town. They have a very similar name, have an identical business logo, use the same recipes, display cakes that look identical to your designs, but the cakes are a quarter of the price because they are using cheap, poor quality ingredients. How would that make you feel? You would hope your clients don’t fall into that trap!

Thank you again to all of you who shared the original Real or Fake blog post from last week. I encourage you to share the post (which can be found on Chef Nicholas’ Facebook page) on your page, your business page, or in your local cake community page (like an ICES chapter). We need all in the cake decorating and sugar arts community to stand up and against these illegally made counterfeit products!

One final note- in last week’s blog I did state that most knock-off silicone molds are pink. This is true, they also have a nasty chemical smell. I forgot to add that there are original, reputable product designers that use shades of pink as their signature color for silicone molds (that ARE food safe). However, as I said last week, if you are unsure if a product is legit, check the designer’s website or social media page! It is very easy to reach out and get confirmation from someone like Chef Nicholas or Sidney Galpern or Lauren Kitchens. We are one big sugar arts family, and we rather you ask us or check our websites for an approved vendor list then buy a product that is hazardous to your client’s health.

Buy smart and buy safe! Please share the original post on social media by clicking here.

There are still seats available in these great classes this summer at ISAC! Click the links below to register now.

Hanging Handbag with Mayen Orido

The Boombox Cake with Mayen Orido

Renshaw Academy Sugar Flower Module

5-Day Ultimate Gumpaste Flower Class

Tea Party Pastries with Joseph Cumm, 8/25

Tea Party Pastries with Joseph Cumm, 8/26

Sweetly yours,

Stephanie

Nicholas Lodge Amazon

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