The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its most serious risk level, Class I, to teething stick products from Gerber Products Company due to a choking hazard.

Why It Matters

According to the FDA, a Class I classification represents “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

What To Know

Baby food maker Gerber has recalled and discontinued it’s “Soothe N Chew,” teething sticks due to a potential choking hazard for babies and toddlers. The sticks are meant to alleviate teething pain in babies.

The recall was issued after one child required emergency room treatment, and multiple consumers reported choking incidents, according to a press release from Gerber’s parent company, Nestle USA.

The recall was first announced on January 31, and the FDA released its Class I risk classification on February 25. It has raised concerns about infant product safety standards.

The products were recalled in 45 states.

The recalled products are:

• Strawberry Apple (3.2-ounce)—UPC: 0 15000 04618 7
• Banana (3.2-ounce)—UPC: 0 15000 04608 8
• Banana (1.59-ounce)—UPC: 0 15000 01015 7

All lot codes are affected. Products were sold through online retailers, distribution centers and retail stores.

According to the FDA, there has been one emergency room visit reported to the firm in connection with the product.

In response to a request for comment, a representative for Nestle directed Newsweek to a press release. This release stated that the recall and product discontinuation has been initiated “out of an abundance of caution.”

It added that, “The quality and safety of our products is our number one priority, and we take the responsibility of feeding babies seriously.”

What People Are Saying

Nestle USA statement: “We sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience this action represents to parents, caregivers and retail customers.”

The company has confirmed it is “working with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration on this recall and will cooperate with them fully.”

A press release from Nestle stated: “It can be common to hear about feeding challenges with teething products as children learn how to successfully chew and swallow solid foods. The recall was initiated after receiving consumer complaints involving choking incidents, including one reporting an emergency room visit. We’ve received no reports of serious injuries, but are proactively taking this action.”

What’s Next

The recall is currently ongoing. Parents and caregivers should:

• Stop using these products immediately
• Return items to the original retailer for a refund
• Contact healthcare providers if concerned about injuries
• Call Gerber’s 24/7 helpline (1-800-443-7237) for support

Retailers in affected states will implement return procedures while Gerber works with the FDA to ensure complete removal of these products from the market.

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