Ikea withdraws cakes over contamination fear

Swedish furniture giant Ikea has pulled a batch of almond cakes from its restaurants in 23 countries after Chinese authorities said they contained a bacteria normally present in faecal matter.

The Swedish-made cakes failed tests “for containing an excessive level” of coliform, according to reports.

Ikea said 1,800 Taarta Chokladkrokant cakes — described on its website as an almond cake with chocolate, butter cream, and butterscotch — were destroyed after being intercepted by Chinese customs in November. The “excessive level” of coliform were found in two batches of the cake made by a Swedish supplier.