Once Upon a Farm recalls toddler bars after choking reports

The FDA warns the soft-baked bars may form a sticky mass that blocks a child’s airway; the recall covers every flavour, lot and package size.

Once Upon a Farm has recalled all varieties of its Tractor Wheels Organic Toddler Soft-Baked Bars after reports that toddlers choked while eating them. The US Food and Drug Administration says the snacks may form a dry, sticky mass during chewing, potentially blocking a child’s airway. Some reported incidents required emergency intervention and hospital observation.

The recall, announced on 30 October 2026, followed three consumer complaints reported to the FDA. The agency’s advisory describes children aged 18 months to two and a half years suffering complete airway obstruction and says standard responses, including back blows and the Heimlich manoeuvre, may not dislodge the mass. The company’s recall notice says no injuries had been reported to it at the time of the announcement.

The recall covers all lots, flavours and package sizes, including multipacks and online sampler bundles. The affected flavours are Apple, Sweet Potato & Spinach; Strawberry, Pumpkin & Beet; and Banana, Pumpkin & Cauliflower. The bars were sold across the United States and in Puerto Rico, through shops and online retailers including Walmart, Target and Costco.

The FDA advises families not to buy or serve the bars. Consumers can return them to the place of purchase for a refund or throw them away; the agency says anyone whose child experienced symptoms should contact a healthcare provider. The company says it is working with the FDA to remove the products and reformulate them, and that no other items in its range are included.

On a company call on 2 November, chief executive John Foraker said the business first received one parent’s complaint, then learnt of two more reports from the FDA. He said the company had not identified a root cause directly connected to the incidents. Foraker also said the recalled bars had accounted for about 18 per cent of the company’s net sales so far that year.

The recall is particularly significant for Jennifer Garner, who is a co-founder, board member and shareholder of Once Upon a Farm. A securities filing dated 15 May 2026 reported that Garner could be considered the beneficial owner of about 7.1 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares as of 31 March. The filing details her reported shareholding but does not independently confirm her company roles.