Here’s what you should know:
- Date: January 31, 2025
- Announced by: FDA on January 31
- Company: Gerber Products Company
- Product: Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks
- Issue: Potential choking hazard
- UPDATES: The FDA and Gerber issued a second press release on April 18, 2025, after receiving reports that some retailers are still selling the recalled product both online and in stores, despite the initial recall gaining wide attention.
Keep reading to find out more!
What happened?
On January 31, Gerber Products Company issued a recall and discontinuation of all batches of their Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks for a potential choking hazard for babies and young children. The products were distributed nationwide via the internet and to distribution centers and retail stores in the following states and territories: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI and Puerto Rico. This recall and discontinuation is isolated to GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE and GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA. It was initiated after receiving consumer complaints of choking incidents. To date, one emergency room visit has been reported to the firm.
Company | Product | Size | UPC Code | Lot codes | Issue |
Gerber Products Company | GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE | Net Wt. 3.2 Oz (90g) | 0 15000 04618 7 | All lot codes | Choking hazard |
Gerber Products Company | GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA | Net Wt. 3.2 Oz (90g) | 0 15000 04608 8 | All lot codes | Choking hazard |
Gerber Products Company | GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA | Net Wt. 1.59 Oz (45g) | 0 15000 01015 7 | All lot codes | Choking hazard |
What caused the issue?
The Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks recall is primarily due to a choking hazard, which might sound straightforward but can be quite alarming, especially when you think about the population at risk: babies and toddlers. So, let’s break it down.
Health Risks:
- Choking Hazard:
- The main risk associated with these teething sticks is choking. Choking is a serious health threat for infants and toddlers because their airways are much smaller and more vulnerable than adults’.
- When a small piece or chunk of the teething stick breaks off, it could block the airways, leading to difficulty breathing, or in severe cases, suffocation.
- The problem could arise if the teething stick becomes too soft or breaks apart too easily, leaving sharp or small pieces that babies might accidentally swallow or inhale.
- Airway Obstruction:
- If a child were to inhale or swallow a piece of the teething stick that gets lodged in their throat, it could cause an airway obstruction.
- This could lead to aspiration, where food or objects enter the lungs, possibly causing infections, difficulty breathing, or even pneumonia in extreme cases.
- Symptoms of choking or aspiration include coughing, gagging, difficulty breathing, and in some instances, a child might go completely silent as they can’t breathe.
Groups at Risk:
- Infants and Toddlers:
- The primary group at risk are babies and toddlers, especially those who are in the midst of teething (ages 4–12 months) and putting things in their mouths to soothe gum pain. Babies in this age range often have limited ability to chew solid food properly, which increases the risk of choking.
- Parents and Caregivers:
- While not directly affected, parents and caregivers are impacted by this recall because they have to be vigilant and manage the risks to their little ones, especially when feeding or offering teething products.
- Anyone Feeding Babies:
- This also includes daycare workers, nannies, or anyone who might be giving food or teething products to babies and children. They need to be aware of the risks and stay alert during feeding times.
10 questions you might have
- How do I know if my Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks are part of the recall?
- Check the UPC code and lot number on the packaging. The affected batches have UPC codes 0 15000 04618 7, 0 15000 04608 8, and 0 15000 01015 7. You can find this information on the product label.
- What should I do if I have one of the recalled teething sticks?
- Stop using the product immediately. Return it to the store where you bought it for a full refund. If you have concerns or need help, contact Gerber’s customer service at 1-800-4-GERBER.
- Are there any confirmed injuries from this recall?
- Yes, there has been at least one reported case of a baby visiting the emergency room due to choking, which triggered the recall.
- Will the recall affect all Gerber teething products?
- No, only the Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks in Strawberry Apple and Banana flavors, both in 3.2 oz (90g) and 1.59 oz (45g) sizes, are affected.
- How can I ensure my baby is safe while teething now?
- Make sure to choose safe teething products that are solid and can’t break apart easily. Monitor your baby while using any teething product, and avoid anything that could become a choking hazard, like small, soft pieces or items that break into chunks.
- Is it just the texture of the teething sticks that caused the problem?
- Yes, the product seems to break into small pieces or chunks that could cause a choking risk. The sticks might be too soft, or could fracture into sharp, tiny bits that are dangerous for babies to swallow.
- Are there any other health risks with the product beyond choking?
- There are no reports of foodborne illness or contamination, so the only health risk here is choking or aspiration. Still, it’s a serious risk for babies and toddlers.
- Can I still use Gerber products for my baby?
- Absolutely. This recall only applies to the Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks, so other Gerber products are still safe for use. However, be sure to stay updated on any future recalls.
- Where were the recalled teething sticks sold?
- The recalled products were sold nationwide in stores and online, including major retailers and grocery chains, as well as in Puerto Rico.
- How can I make sure that I’m buying safe products for my child in the future?
- Always check the label for any recall alerts, review customer feedback, and choose products from trusted brands with strong safety records. If in doubt, contact the company directly to inquire about safety testing.
Here’s what you should do
If you have purchased this product, take action! Here’s how:
- Check the label:
- GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE, Net Wt. 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04618 7, all lot codes
- GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA, Net Wt. 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04608 8, all lot codes
- GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA, Net Wt. 1.59 Oz (45g), with UPC 0 15000 01015 7, all lot codes
- What you should do:
- Consumers who may have purchased GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS should not feed this product to their child and can return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a refund. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.
- Contact info:
- Gerber is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237).
Behind the brand
The Gerber Company is a food and beverage company that produces baby food and other products for infants and toddlers and, it’s a subsidiary of Nestlé.
Production issues like this one don’t happen often, but unfortunately, it’s not the first one the industry has had this month. On January 30, United Natural Trading LLC from Edinson NJ issued a recall for their Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels for the presence of an undeclared milk allergen. And, on January 27, the New York Wholesale Group issued a recall for elevated lead levels in Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder.
Ensuring safe eats!
This recall highlights an important lesson for both manufacturers and consumers: vigilance is key. It’s crucial for companies to test and ensure their products are safe before hitting store shelves. For parents, always be cautious about any product that can break or come apart easily—whether it’s food, toys, or teething products. As for Gerber, they’re doing the right thing by working with the FDA and pulling this product from the market.
“Ensuring the safety of consumers, especially vulnerable groups like infants and children, should always be a top priority for any company. Products designed to support health and well-being must undergo rigorous testing and quality control to prevent any potential hazards. The recall of Gerber’s teething sticks serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and continuous vigilance in the sourcing and manufacturing of consumer goods. Companies must take swift action when risks are identified to protect their customers and maintain trust.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO.
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