- Recall Reminder Date: April 18, 2025
- Announcement Date: FDA on April 18, 2025
- Company: Gerber Products Company
- Product: Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks
- Issue: Potential choking hazard for infants and toddlers
- Details: All batches and flavors—Strawberry Apple and Banana—remain under recall
- Action: Consumers should not use the product and should return it for a full refund
Shall we learn more about this? Let’s take a closer look at why this reminder matters.
What happened?
On January 31, 2025, Gerber Products Company issued a voluntary recall and full discontinuation of its Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks following reports of choking incidents. 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.
The affected products were distributed nationwide and include both Strawberry Apple and Banana flavors across multiple package sizes. The updated reminder reinforces that no batch is safe, and all consumers should remove these products from circulation.
Recalled product details:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Gerber | Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks – Strawberry Apple | 3.2 oz (90g) | 0 15000 04618 7 | All lots | Choking hazard |
Gerber | Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks – Banana | 3.2 oz (90g) | 0 15000 04608 8 | All lots | Choking hazard |
Gerber | Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks – Banana | 1.58 oz (45g) | 0 15000 01015 7 | All lots | Choking hazard |
What caused the issue?
Gerber initiated the recall after receiving consumer reports of infants choking while using the teething sticks. Although Gerber designed the product to soothe teething discomfort, its firm texture and shape caused small pieces to break off, posing a serious choking hazard for babies and toddlers.
Health risks:
- Target group: Infants and young children
- Symptoms of choking incidents:
- Gagging or coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Skin turning blue (cyanosis)
- Inability to cry or make noise
- Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)
These are critical symptoms that require immediate emergency attention. While no deaths or hospitalizations have been confirmed, the danger is enough to warrant a strong and persistent warning.
10 common questions you might have:
- Is this a new recall?
No, this is a reminder of the January 31, 2025 recall due to continued retail presence. - Why is the product still on shelves?
Some retailers may not have fully removed the recalled stock, prompting this second notice. - Can I return it without a receipt?
Yes. Gerber advises consumers to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund, with or without a receipt. - Is only one flavor affected?
No—all flavors and sizes of Soothe N Chew® are affected. - What if my child already consumed one?
If no choking occurred and your child appears well, no action may be needed—but monitor for symptoms and contact your pediatrician with concerns. - Were there any injuries reported?
Choking complaints were received, but no confirmed serious injuries at this time. - Will Gerber reintroduce a new version?
The product line has been discontinued entirely. - How do I confirm if I have the affected product?
Check the UPC and product size on the packaging—refer to the chart above. - Can I still find it online?
Unfortunately, yes. This is why the reminder was issued—to stop further sales. - How do I contact Gerber?
Call 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237). They are available 24/7.
Here’s what you should do
- Do not feed the product to your child under any circumstance
- Check your pantry, diaper bags, and online orders for any affected batches
- Look on the label for the UPC and product size to confirm recall status
- Return the product to the retailer for a full refund, even without a receipt
- Contact Gerber:
- Phone: 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237)
- Website: www.gerber.com
Behind the brand
Founded in 1927 and now a subsidiary of Nestlé, Gerber Products Company is one of the most recognizable baby food brands in the U.S. Known for its long-standing market presence, Gerber has taken previous corrective actions seriously—but this incident underscores the importance of effective retail recall compliance. Apart from the first recall issued by Gerber on January 31, 2025, other similar recalls include the following:
- On March 17, 2025, Nestlé USA initiated a voluntary recall of certain Lean Cuisine® and Stouffer’s® frozen meals due to potential contamination with wood-like material.
- On February 12, 2025, Del Monte Foods, Inc. initiated a recall of their Good & Gather Cut Green Beans due to potential contamination with a foreign object.
“Protecting vulnerable consumers—especially infants—must be a company’s top priority. Gerber’s recall highlights the need for strict quality control, transparency, and quick action when safety risks arise.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Ensuring safe eats
Food safety—especially for infants and toddlers—requires more than issuing recalls; it requires complete follow-through at every step of the supply chain. The Gerber reminder is a case study in why retail execution matters and why transparency, traceability, and proactive response should be the industry norm.
For manufacturers and suppliers, it’s also a reminder of the importance of robust product testing, shelf audits, and recall training. Especially in categories serving vulnerable populations, there’s no room for error.
Need a sourcing partner who understands the stakes? Let’s chat! Our team at Source86 works with top-tier co-manufacturers and ingredient suppliers to bring safe, high-quality ingredients to market—no recalls required.
