April 18, 2025 – Gerber Products Company announced an instant recall of a top-selling baby product, the Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks®, because of a possible serious choking hazard. A recall is the process of a company asking buyers to return a product due to its potentially unsafe aspects.
Gerber started the recall after fragments of the teething wafers were found to break off in sizes that could block a baby’s airway. This was especially concerning, as parents were reporting their babies gagging or choking on part of the product.
While the majority of parents used this product as a teether, Gerber acted fast when they discovered that some of the recalled batches were still on store shelves and online retailers.
Gerber invited consumers to return the products to get a refund, citing a serious potential hazard. So exactly why and when was the product recalled?
The Reason Behind The Recall
The Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks recall has been initiated due to a potential choking hazard. This is not a simple error; reports of choking incidents by consumers forced the company to act.
The FDA notice of recall indicates the seriousness of the issue, as infants and toddlers are at risk when swallowing the teething sticks.
Though this product was once relied upon as a safe solution for calming teething discomfort, its risk to safety has outweighed its benefit.
A Nationwide Issue
The recalled Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks were distributed nationally. This is an important point, as the recall reaches a wide range of families who purchased the product.
The teething sticks in Strawberry Apple and Banana flavors with varying weights have been removed from shelves. And given its national distribution, many parents might still be in possession of recalled products.
Identification Of The Recalled Products
Parents and guardians must be able to identify the recalled products. The teething sticks come in two flavors: Strawberry Apple and Banana.
They are packaged in two sizes: 3.2 oz (90g) and 1.58 oz (45g). The most critical product information is the UPC number for each size for the two sizes of products.
The 3.2 oz Strawberry Apple flavor has the UPC number 0 15000 04618 7, and the 3.2 oz Banana flavor has the UPC number 0 15000 04608 8. If you already have them, now is the time to check your cupboard.
Check What To Do If You Have The Product
Gerber advises anyone possessing the recalled teething sticks to stop using them. If you’ve already purchased the product, return it to where you bought it to receive a refund.
It’s the safest action to take to prevent any potential harm. Don’t wait for another incident to be reported—if the product is already in your home, act on it now and return it.
Keep An Eye Out For Unreturned Products
Although the initial recall happened in January 2025, a few of the Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks remained available on store shelves.
This second press release serves as a reminder to parents to check their local retailers and online shops to ensure the product is no longer being sold, and of course, to not purchase it. Gerber and the FDA are still in the process of completely removing these products from the shelves.
Reports of Choking Incidents
Gerber’s national recall of its teething sticks stems directly from consumer complaints with incidents of choking. Though the company hasn’t issued a case count, the fact that choking was cited as the reason for recall is sufficient to mandate a national recall.
The company issued an immediate recall to prevent further incidents and reputational harm. It’s a timely reminder that even reputable firms should ensure that their products are safe.
The Role of the FDA
The FDA, as a public service, posted Gerber’s notice of recall on their website. The FDA does not endorse the company or the product but plays a serious role in ensuring that public safety concerns, such as choking hazards, are addressed promptly.
The action of the federal government highlights the seriousness of the situation and the company’s commitment to fulfilling safety requirements.
Gerber’s Apology And Commitment To Safety
Gerber has issued a public apology for the inconvenience and distress caused by the recall. They’ve acknowledged the stress and anxiety it may have caused parents and caregivers.
The company is offering support through their customer service hotline, which is operational 24/7, to respond to those with questions or concerns. Gerber has assured consumers that it is working with the FDA to investigate the issue and prevent this from happening again.
For parents concerned about this recall, making a call to a healthcare provider is a prudent action. In case you feel that your child has already consumed the recalled product, it’s advisable to speak with a medical expert immediately.
The Broader Impacts of Recalls
Recalls of baby products are always concerning, and this one is no exception. Gerber’s recall of their Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks serves as a reminder that parents must always be vigilant about the safety of the products and toys their children use, even if made by reputable companies.
The speed with which the company acted in addressing this potential choking risk should be reassuring, but it also demonstrates the unexpected dangers of everyday consumer products. An incident like this also affects industries like fashion and cosmetics as a whole, where consumer trust and brand image are everything.
Similar to baby products, a fashion safety problem or recall can cause a significant loss of consumer trust, potentially switching shoppers to the competition and damaging long-term brand loyalty.
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