Parents in Mesa County are being told to double-check their pantries after a baby snack recall has sparked concern among local health officials. Gerber’s popular teething sticks, sold in stores across the area, may pose a choking risk, according to a newly issued public health alert.
Mesa County Public Health says three specific Gerber products are being pulled from shelves. The voluntary recall, announced earlier this week, is raising alarm among caregivers and pediatricians alike.
Health officials flag teething sticks sold across Mesa County
Mesa County Public Health confirmed on Tuesday that it had been notified of a recall affecting several batches of Gerber’s Soothe ‘n’ Chew teething sticks. These snacks are marketed for infants beginning to chew solid foods and are commonly used during teething stages.
The affected items include:
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Gerber Snacks for Baby Soothe ‘n’ Chew Teething Sticks, Strawberry Apple, 3.2 oz – UPC 0 15000 04618 7
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Gerber Snacks for Baby Soothe ‘n’ Chew Teething Sticks, Banana, 3.2 oz – UPC 0 15000 04608 8
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Gerber Snacks for Baby Soothe ‘n’ Chew Teething Sticks, Banana, 1.58 oz – UPC 0 15000 01015 7
They were reportedly distributed to major retailers throughout Colorado, including within Mesa County. Authorities say the concern centers on the potential for choking — a risk especially dangerous for infants under one year old.
What’s the risk and what should parents do?
The issue isn’t with spoilage or contamination. Instead, health officials warn the texture of the affected batches may pose a mechanical hazard. Basically, chunks might break off in a baby’s mouth — something the product isn’t supposed to do.
One sentence here, short and sharp.
Mesa County Public Health is advising parents to stop using the products immediately and return them to the place of purchase. If a baby has already consumed the item and shows any signs of choking, gagging, or distress, parents are urged to call a healthcare provider straight away.
And just to make sure this is clear:
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Check the product’s UPC and size against the list of recalled items
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If it’s a match, stop using it immediately
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Throw it out or bring it back to the store for a refund
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Contact your pediatrician if your child experienced symptoms after using it
A broader concern over baby food safety
This isn’t the first time baby food and snacks have come under scrutiny. In the past few years, major brands have faced backlash and recalls over issues ranging from high levels of heavy metals to improper labeling and safety hazards like this one.
Pediatrician Dr. Maya Jensen, based in Grand Junction, weighed in on the concern: “We’re seeing a growing number of recalls for baby food products. It’s unsettling. When you’ve got new parents who are already stressed, news like this only adds to the anxiety.”
That anxiety isn’t unfounded.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, food-related choking remains a leading cause of injury and death in young children, especially under age three. While teething sticks are meant to soothe, any inconsistency in texture or strength can be dangerous.
A quick one-liner for impact.
This is about trust — and parents are losing it.
Recall timeline and FDA involvement
Gerber Products Company initiated the recall voluntarily and notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has since listed the product warning on its public database. The company said in a statement that the recall is out of an abundance of caution and that no confirmed injuries have been reported.
Still, the concern isn’t just theoretical.
Here’s what’s been confirmed so far:
| Recall Details | Information Provided |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Gerber Products Company |
| Reason for Recall | Potential choking hazard |
| Affected Products | 3 varieties of Soothe ‘n’ Chew |
| Distribution Area | Mesa County, broader Colorado |
| Action Recommended | Return or discard product |
| FDA Status | Official notice posted |
Mesa County Public Health Director Jeff Kuhr said the agency was working closely with local retailers and hospitals to spread the word and keep infants safe. “We’re moving fast to make sure families are informed,” he said. “Prevention starts with awareness.”
Growing pressure on baby food manufacturers
The pressure is mounting on baby food companies to implement stronger safety measures. And it’s not just consumer groups making noise — lawmakers are increasingly paying attention to the industry’s shortcomings.
A federal report published by the House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy in 2021 had already shaken confidence in the baby food market. That report revealed that many products from leading brands contained concerning levels of arsenic, lead, and mercury. It led to a public outcry and a push for more stringent regulation.
Since then, consumer expectations have shifted.
Parents are scrutinizing labels more than ever. They’re looking at ingredients, origin of production, and now — potential mechanical safety risks.
One parent, Kelly Monroe from Fruita, said she tossed out her teething sticks the second she saw the alert. “My daughter had just started on solids last month. I’m not taking any chances.”
Parents want answers — not more packaging claims
Moms and dads aren’t buying the glossy labels anymore. Words like “safe,” “gentle,” and “designed for infants” feel empty when they’re followed by product recalls.
And it’s not just about marketing anymore — it’s about accountability.
“Parents are doing their part. They follow guidelines. They buy the recommended snacks. And then this happens,” said Monroe. “Where’s the oversight?”
There’s no easy fix.
But parents want action, not PR statements. Until then, trust remains in short supply.
