Baby food recall sparks new nationwide warning to parents
IF Copack LLC dba Initiative Foods is recalling one lot of the “Tippy Toes” brand Apple Pear Banana Fruit puree due to elevated levels of patulin in the product, according to an alert posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Newsweek reached out to the company via phone on Friday night after hours and could not leave a message.
The FDA says that patulin is a naturally occurring substance called a mycotoxin, which may grow in various fruits and is produced by mold. “Long-term exposure resulting from ingestion of patulin can lead to various adverse health consequences, including a potential for immune suppression, nerve damage, headache, fever, and nausea,” the alert warns.
Numerous recalls have been initiated in the past year because of potentially damaged products, foodborne illness, undeclared food allergens or the potential for bacteria.
Millions of Americans experience food sensitivities or food allergies every year. According to the FDA, the nine “major” food allergens in the United States are eggs, milk, fish, wheat, soybeans, crustacean shellfish, sesame, tree nuts and peanuts.
According to the recall, the product was distributed to grocery stores in every U.S. state except Alaska, and potentially to U.S. territories including Puerto Rico and Guam as well. The alert has photos of the recalled product for customers to reference.
The product’s UPC number is 036800 265783, the lot number is 07174 and the product’s best-by date is July 17, 2026, the alert notes. The product’s package code identifier is INIA0120.
The fruit puree is sold in 2-pack plastic tubs and has a product information sleeve, the alert says. There have been no reported illnesses or injuries related to the recall as of Friday.
The recalled baby food was sampled under the Total Diet Study by the FDA, and it found the product contained elevated patulin levels that are “higher than is common for these products,” the agency says.
Initiative Foods CEO and President Don Ephgrave said in a company statement in the alert, “At Initiative Foods, the safety of our consumers and their families is our highest priority. We are cooperating with the FDA to ensure strict review and enhanced safety measures across all our products. We thank our retail partners and customers for their understanding and prompt action on this matter.”
Customers who have purchased the recalled baby food are advised to discontinue use, dispose of or return it to the original place of purchase for a refund, the alert says. Retailers are advised to check their shelves and remove any of the product and catalog it.
People with additional questions may contact the dedicated toll-free number at 1-855-215-5730 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET weekdays.
