FDA warns consumers not to buy Once Upon a Farm toddler bars due to choking hazard

The FDA has received several reports of toddlers (ages 1.5-2.5) suffering complete airway obstruction with the inability to breathe after consuming Once Upon a Farm Tractor Wheels Organic Toddler Soft-Baked Bars. When chewed, the product forms a dry, sticky mass that standard choking interventions, including back blows and the Heimlich maneuver, may fail to dislodge. The product is sold nationwide at Costco, Target, and Walmart. Once Upon a Farm has agreed to initiate a recall of all flavors, quantities, and lot codes.

Product details

• ▪The FDA advisory covers all flavors quantities and varieties including all lot codes and expiration dates

Choking hazard reports

• ▪FDA received several reports of toddlers ages 1.5 to 2.5 suffering complete airway obstruction after consuming Once Upon a Farm Tractor Wheels bars
• ▪When chewed the product forms a dry sticky mass that standard choking interventions including back blows and the Heimlich maneuver may fail to dislodge

Recall scope

• ▪The FDA advisory covers all flavors quantities and varieties including all lot codes and expiration dates
• ▪Once Upon a Farm has agreed to initiate a recall of all flavors quantities and lot codes

Retail distribution

• ▪Once Upon a Farm Tractor Wheels are sold nationwide at Costco Target and Walmart and online

FDA response

• ▪FDA received several reports of toddlers ages 1.5 to 2.5 suffering complete airway obstruction after consuming Once Upon a Farm Tractor Wheels bars
• ▪The FDA advisory covers all flavors quantities and varieties including all lot codes and expiration dates

Consumer guidance

• ▪Once Upon a Farm has agreed to initiate a recall of all flavors quantities and lot codes

Debatable claims

• ▪FDA food safety oversight of toddler snack products is insufficient to prevent choking hazards before they reach consumers
• ▪The recall process for food products with choking hazards should be faster and more proactive rather than waiting for adverse event reports