NEW YORK -- Ballantine Books Thursday recalled a cookbook containing a recipe for a cake frosting decorated with lilies-of-the- valley, a poisonous flower.
The cookbook, 'Great Cakes' by Carole Walter, was published last November, and a recipe on page 499 says the tiny white flowers are edible and may be used for cake decoration.
'Lilies-of-the-valley is a flower with poisonous properties which, if ingested, can cause symptoms ranging from upset stomach to irregular heartbeat and other circulator problems,' Ballantine said in a statement.
'The severity of the possible reaction would depend upon several factors, including body weight, the amount ingested, and individual sensitivities,' it said.
There have been no known instances of anyone getting sick from the recipe, said Clare Ferraro, Ballantine division vice president and associate publisher.
She said a reader noticed the recipe and called the author to warn her, and Walter immediately called Ballantine.
'As soon as this matter was called to our attention ... we checked with the American Medical Association, the New York Botanical Garden, and other responsible authorities,' she said.
Ballantine is recalling all copies of the book now held by wholesalers and retail bookstores, Ferraro said.
Those who have bought the book were asked to cross out the recipe on page 499. Others who wish to return the book may call 1-800-726-0600 for a refund, Ballantine said.
