Initiative Foods Recalls Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana Due to Elevated Patulin Levels

Sanger, CA (February 13, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a nationwide recall of one lot of Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana Fruit Puree baby food after tests revealed elevated levels of patulin, a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by certain molds. According to the FDA, the product was sampled through its Total Diet Study and found to contain higher-than-typical patulin levels, prompting a recall due to potential health risks for infants and young children.

Regulators said no illnesses or injuries have been reported to date, but long-term exposure to patulin may cause immune suppression, nerve damage, headaches, fever, and nausea.

Initiative Foods recall: quick summary

The FDA confirmed that IF Copack LLC dba Initiative Foods initiated the recall after routine testing detected elevated patulin levels in a single production lot of its Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana fruit puree. The affected baby food was distributed nationwide in retail grocery stores across the U.S., excluding Alaska, and may have reached Guam and Puerto Rico. Parents and caregivers are advised to stop using the product immediately and either dispose of it or return it for a refund.

What happened?

The FDA said Initiative Foods initiated the recall after the agency’s Total Diet Study detected elevated patulin levels in one lot of the baby food product. The recall was announced on February 13, 2026, in coordination with the FDA.

In its recall notice, the agency warned that “long-term exposure resulting from ingestion of patulin can lead to various adverse health consequences, including a potential for immune suppression, nerve damage, headache, fever, and nausea.” The FDA added that “no illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.”

The affected product was distributed nationwide in retail grocery stores in all U.S. states except Alaska and may have been sold in Guam and Puerto Rico. The company worked with regulators to isolate the single affected lot.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best by date	Issue	Affected states/zones
Tippy Toes	Apple Pear Banana Fruit Puree	2-pack plastic tubs	036800265783	07/17/2026	Elevated patulin levels	Nationwide (except AK), Guam, Puerto Rico

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, the recall was triggered by elevated patulin levels, a toxin produced by molds that can grow on apples and other fruits. Infants and young children are most at risk because of their developing immune systems and smaller body weight.

Symptoms of exposure may include nausea, fever, headache, and potential neurological effects with long-term ingestion. The agency confirmed that no related illnesses have been reported so far.

Questions you might have

Here’s what you should do

• Stop using the recalled product immediately.
• Dispose of it safely or return it to the store for a refund.
• Check the bottom of the tub for the Best By date “BB 07/17/2026” and package code “INIA0120.”
• For questions or refunds, contact Initiative Foods at 1-855-215-5730 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET).

Behind the brand

Initiative Foods, operating as IF Copack LLC, produces baby food products under the Tippy Toes brand. The company said it is cooperating fully with regulators and has ceased distribution of the affected lot.

In a statement, CEO Don Ephgrave said the company’s “highest priority” is consumer safety and that it is working with the FDA to implement enhanced safety measures. Source86 reached out to Initiative Foods for additional comment, but has not yet received a response.

Other relevant recalls

Recent recalls involving baby food and fruit-based products have also cited contamination and toxin risks, including prior Source86 reports on mold-related fruit puree recalls and allergen mislabeling cases. These include Cargill, which recalled Nutrena Country Feeds Cracked Corn for livestock after elevated aflatoxin levels were detected, and Lucky Foods, which issued a recall of cinnamon powder due to elevated lead levels. In a related action, Venzu Traders had its cinnamon powder added to an FDA alert list after testing found elevated lead concentrations. Together, these incidents underscore a broader pattern of naturally occurring toxins and contamination risks affecting fruit- and spice-based products across the U.S. food supply chain.

“The FDA has established action levels for patulin in apple products because it is a mycotoxin that can pose health risks if present in high amounts, particularly in foods consumed by children,” says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s guidance on mycotoxin monitoring.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, added:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the importance of monitoring naturally occurring toxins in fruit-based products, especially those marketed for infants. Companies must strengthen supplier verification and batch testing, while consumers should remain alert to recall notices and product labels.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls happen, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly. Contact us.