Gerber teething products recalled over ‘potential choking hazard for babies’
Gerber announced that it will be recalling and discontinuing all flavored teething sticks in response to reported choking incidents, including one that resulted in a trip to the emergency room.
The official recall notice published on Jan. 31 said that Gerber would cease production of its “Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks” in strawberry apple and banana flavors that were distributed “via the internet and to distribution centers and retail stores” in 45 states and Puerto Rico. It will also be pulling the line from all shelves, according to the notice.
The recalled sticks were sold in 3.2 and 1.59-ounce boxes with UPC codes 0 15000 04618 7, 0 15000 04608 8, and 0 15000 01015 7. These codes have been included in the recall notice.
Alaska, New Mexico, North Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming and the District of Columbia were not included in the recall.
Gerber wrote in its notice that the recall comes “after receiving consumer complaints of choking incidents.” One, it says, even led to an emergency room visit.
The company recommended that anyone who thinks an injury or illness resulted from use of the products should reach out to a health care provider for further assistance.
“We sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience this action represents to parents, caregivers and retail customers,” Gerber said in its press release.
The company will be working in tandem with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the recall and “will cooperate with them fully,” according to the notice.
Anyone who happens to have purchased any of the recalled products are advised not to feed the product to any children. Customers can either discard the product on their own or return to where they purchased it for a full refund, Gerber said.
Customers can reach Gerber by phone at (800) 443-7237 any time and any day of the week.
