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Newsweek

Baby Snacks Recalled in 45 States Over 'Choking Hazard'

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Gerber Products Company has reissued a nationwide recall of its popular infant snack, the "Soothe n Chew Teething Stick," after the product was still found to be available on store shelves almost three months after the initial warning. The company said all batches of its "Gerber Soothe n Chew Teething Sticks" in both Strawberry Apple and Banana flavors were pulled from the market because of a potential choking hazard. The decision affects retailers and consumers across 45 states and Puerto Rico. Newsweek has contacted the Nestle press office, as Gerber is a subsidiary of Nestle, out of hours via email for comment. Why It Matters The recall involves a product designed specifically for infants who are teething—a developmental stage when children are particularly vulnerable to choking. The recall was initiated after the company received consumer complaints of choking incidents associated with its "Soothe n Chew Teething Sticks." As infants typically lack the motor skills to manage food safely and are at higher risk of airway obstruction, any choking-related risk tied to products marketed to children raises serious public health concerns. What To Know Despite an initial recall notice issued on January 31, Gerber acknowledged that it had received "reports of recalled product still available for sale on some retailer shelves and online," prompting a renewed warning on Friday and calls for consumers to remove the items from their homes. The affected items include these: Gerber Soothe n Chew Teething Sticks, Strawberry Apple, 3.2 ounces (UPC 0 15000 04618 7) Gerber Soothe n Chew Teething Sticks, Banana, 3.2 ounces (UPC 0 15000 04608 8) Gerber Soothe n Chew Teething Sticks, Banana, 1.58 ounces (UPC 0 15000 01015 7) All lot codes are included in the recall. The recall covers both physical and online retailers, with Gerber asking consumers who encounter the item still on sale to refrain from making a purchase. The teething sticks were distributed to physical retail stores across the country except in the following states: Alaska, New Mexico, North Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming. The affected products in the Gerber Products Company baby snacks recall. The affected products in the Gerber Products Company baby snacks recall. Gerber Products Company What People Are Saying Gerber said in a press release issued on April 18: "We have been working with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on this recall and will cooperate with them fully. Again, we sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience this action represents to parents, caregivers and retail customers." What Happens Next Gerber has advised parents and caregivers not to feed the recalled products to their children and to return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. The company is offering around-the-clock customer support at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237).