- A popular apple, pear, and banana baby food puree has been recalled nationwide due to elevated levels of patulin, a toxin produced by mold.
- The recall affects specific Tippy Toes fruit puree tubs sold in nearly every U.S. state.
- The advisement is to stop using the product and either discard it or return it for a refund.
If there’s one thing parents shouldn’t have to stress about, it’s what’s inside a tub of baby food. Unfortunately, a nationwide recall is now putting one popular fruit puree under scrutiny after federal testing flagged a potential safety concern.
Initiative Foods, operating as IF Copack LLC, has issued a recall of one lot of its Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana Fruit Puree after testing found elevated levels of patulin, a toxin that can develop in moldy fruits. While the substance occurs naturally in some spoiled produce, long-term exposure at higher levels has been linked to health concerns including nausea, fever, headaches, immune suppression, and potential nerve damage.
The recalled puree was distributed to grocery stores in every U.S. state except Alaska, and may also have reached Puerto Rico and Guam. So even if you’re nowhere near where the recall originated, it’s worth taking a quick pantry check.
The affected product comes in two-pack plastic tubs and can be identified by with UPC 036800 265783, lot number 07174, a Best By date of July 17, 2026, and package code INIA0120.
The recall began after the FDA discovered patulin levels higher than what’s typically found in these products as part of routine testing. No illnesses or injuries have been reported so far, but officials say consumers should stop using the product immediately. If you have it at home, either throw it away or return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund. Anyone worried about possible exposure should contact a healthcare provider.
“At Initiative Foods, the safety of our consumers and their families is our highest priority,” Initiative Foods’ CEO and president, Don Ephgrave, said in a statement. “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.”
Consumers with questions can contact Initiative Foods at 1-855-215-5730 on weekdays.