Parents across the United States are being urged to check their baby food products after Gerber announced a nationwide recall of specific batches of its popular arrowroot baby biscuits. The recall was issued due to the possible presence of small pieces of soft plastic or paper in the product, according to federal regulators and company officials.
While no injuries or illnesses have been reported so far, the recall highlights ongoing concerns around baby food safety and quality control in the infant nutrition industry. This article explains what products are affected, what parents should do next, why the recall was initiated, and what this situation means for caregivers who rely on packaged baby foods.
On January 30, 2026, Gerber confirmed that it had initiated a nationwide recall of certain Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits after discovering potential contamination. The recall applies to specific 5.5-ounce packages of the biscuits that were distributed across the United States.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the affected products may contain small fragments of soft plastic or paper. These materials pose a potential choking hazard for infants and toddlers, even though no adverse health events have been reported to date.
Gerber emphasized that the recall was issued out of an abundance of caution and in coordination with federal regulators to ensure consumer safety.
The recall applies only to specific batches of Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits packaged in 5.5-ounce containers. Parents and caregivers should look for products with “Best Before” dates ranging from:
In addition to the date, consumers are advised to check the 10-digit batch code printed on the back of the package. This code helps identify whether a product is part of the recalled lot.
Importantly, the FDA has confirmed that no other Gerber products are included in this recall. Infant formulas, purees, cereals, and other snacks produced by Gerber remain unaffected.
The contamination issue was traced back to an arrowroot flour supplier used in the manufacturing process. The supplier initially identified the problem and issued its own recall, which prompted Gerber to investigate further.
After confirming that the affected ingredient may have introduced foreign materials into the final product, Gerber decided to halt distribution and remove the impacted batches from store shelves. The company also announced that it has stopped working with the supplier responsible for the issue.
This step reflects standard food safety procedures designed to reduce risk and prevent potential harm, particularly when products are intended for infants and young children.
As of the recall announcement, no illnesses, injuries, or choking incidents have been reported in connection with the recalled biscuits. Gerber and the FDA both confirmed that the action is precautionary.
However, because babies and toddlers are especially vulnerable to choking hazards, even small pieces of foreign material can present serious risks. That is why regulators and manufacturers often move quickly when potential contamination is detected.
Parents and caregivers who have purchased Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits should take the following steps:
Parents with additional concerns can also contact Gerber customer service or consult the FDA website for updated recall details.
In a public statement, Gerber emphasized that product safety remains its highest priority.
“The quality, safety and integrity of our products remain our highest priority, and we take this responsibility seriously,” the company said. “We sincerely apologize for any concerns or inconvenience this action causes for parents, caregivers and retail customers.”
Gerber’s decision to discontinue its relationship with the affected supplier signals a broader effort to prevent similar issues in the future. Food manufacturers often review and strengthen supplier oversight following recalls to ensure higher quality standards across the supply chain.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plays a critical role in monitoring food safety and overseeing recalls involving consumer products, including baby food.
When a potential hazard is identified, the FDA works closely with manufacturers to assess risk, inform the public, and ensure that affected products are removed from circulation. In this case, the FDA confirmed the scope of the recall and helped communicate guidance to families nationwide.
Food recalls are categorized based on risk level, and while this recall has not been linked to injuries, it underscores the importance of vigilance in products designed for infants.
Baby food recalls tend to draw significant attention because infants are among the most vulnerable populations. Their smaller airways, developing digestive systems, and limited ability to chew make them particularly susceptible to choking and injury.
Even materials described as soft can be dangerous if accidentally ingested. That is why health experts consistently encourage parents to stay informed about recalls and safety alerts involving infant products.
This recall also highlights the importance of ingredient sourcing and quality control throughout the manufacturing process. A single compromised ingredient can affect thousands of packages distributed nationwide.
While most baby food products on the market meet strict safety standards, recalls do occur periodically. Common reasons include:
Most recalls are issued before widespread harm occurs, demonstrating that monitoring systems are working as intended. Staying informed through FDA alerts and reputable health news sources can help parents respond quickly when recalls are announced.
To reduce risk and stay up to date, parents and caregivers can:
Taking these simple steps can provide peace of mind and help ensure that babies are consuming safe, high quality foods.
For many families, Gerber products are a staple due to their long history and wide availability. While recalls can be alarming, they do not necessarily indicate systemic failure. In many cases, they show that safety systems are functioning correctly by identifying and addressing problems early.
Parents should not panic but should act promptly by checking affected products and following official guidance. If there are any concerns about a child’s health after consuming a recalled product, parents should contact a pediatrician immediately.
The nationwide recall of Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety, especially when it comes to infant nutrition. Although no injuries have been reported, the potential presence of plastic or paper fragments prompted swift action from Gerber and federal regulators.
By checking product details, returning recalled items, and staying informed, parents can continue to protect their children and make confident decisions about the foods they serve. Gerber’s response, including cutting ties with the supplier involved, reflects an effort to maintain trust and uphold safety standards moving forward.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, news release, January 26, 2026
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Statistical and safety data reflect general trends and may not apply to individual situations. Parents and caregivers should consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical guidance and follow official FDA recommendations regarding recalled products.
