In the quaint town of Patchogue, New York, a small vegan bakery named The Savory Fig was at the center of an unexpected controversy. Beloved for its commitment to gluten-free and vegan baked goods, the bakery faced serious accusations this past February.
A local vegan grocer, CindySnacks in Huntington, raised alarms after discovering a doughnut that seemed suspiciously similar to those offered by the national chain, Dunkin’ Donuts, among their order from The Savory Fig.
The situation escalated when CindySnacks took to Instagram on March 4, posting an image of a strawberry-frosted doughnut adorned with purple and orange sprinkles, a hallmark of the Dunkin’ brand.
This post wasn’t just a casual share but a pointed accusation that the doughnut, which contained dairy and gluten, was deceitfully mixed in with the vegan goodies.
The Vegan Bakery’s Defense Amid Rising Tensions
Michell Siriani, the determined owner of The Savory Fig, swiftly responded to the allegations. In a statement to News12 Long Island, Siriani clarified, “In February I sold a vendor nearly $800 worth of my products and somehow they claimed that a Dunkin’ Donuts was mixed in with the order.
I adamantly stand by that I would never pass off a Dunkin donut as either gluten-free or vegan.” Despite her firm stance, the seeds of doubt had been sown.
The conflict deepened when Jonathan Stengel, co-owner of CindySnacks, revealed in the Instagram post his immediate concern upon spotting the distinctively decorated doughnut.
His worries were not unfounded, as many customers frequenting his vegan market have severe allergies to dairy. The implications of such a mistake could be dire, leading to serious, even life-threatening, allergic reactions.
To confirm their suspicions, Stengel and his partner Cindy Kay tested the controversial doughnut using an EZ Gluten home-testing kit. The results were shocking, showing a “high positive” for gluten—a clear violation of what The Savory Fig purported to offer.
The cops had to know this stuff wasn't vegan😂😂😂
Long Island vegan bakery 'voluntarily recalls' baked goods after allegedly passing off Dunkin doughnut as its own amid probe
(New York Post – May 4) A Long Island vegan bakery “voluntarily recalled” some of its baked goods… pic.twitter.com/lknHf0mCpn— floridanow1 (@floridanow1) May 4, 2024
Legal and Business Repercussions
Amidst the viral outbreak of the scandal, Siriani faced not only public backlash but also personal distress, leading her to change her phone number and even consider relocating her bakery. Nevertheless, she confirmed her cooperation with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to ensure such an incident wouldn’t recur.
“The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has not asserted any fines nor has it revoked nor suspended our license,” she stated, committing to a new labeling system to safeguard against allergens and cross-contamination.
On April 24, The Savory Fig announced a voluntary recall of their manufactured items, including a variety of doughnuts and pastries, as a precautionary measure against undeclared allergens like wheat gluten, soy, and milk. This step, though drastic, highlights the bakery’s dedication to its customers’ safety and trust.
A Community’s Response and Future Steps
The local community and vegan enthusiasts nationwide have kept a keen eye on how this situation unfolds, underscoring the critical importance of ingredient transparency and trust in food sourcing. As for CindySnacks, they are pivoting from a vegan market to opening a specialty vegan deli in Centereach, hopeful for a fresh start.
While no illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection to the recalled products, this incident serves as a potent reminder of the responsibilities that come with catering to dietary-restricted consumers.
The Savory Fig’s journey through this scandal underscores a vital aspect of food industry businesses: maintaining integrity is just as crucial as the quality of the products served.
