FDA Issues Class I Recall for Soothe 'N' Chew Teething Sticks After Reported Choking Incidents
Gerber Products Company has recalled and discontinued all batches of its Soothe 'N' Chew Teething Sticks following reports that the product poses a choking hazard to infants and toddlers. The recall, which was first announced on January 31, 2025, was later classified as a Class I recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 25, 2025. This is the most serious type of recall, indicating that there is a reasonable probability that using the product could cause serious injury or death.
The teething sticks, marketed to soothe gum pain in babies, were sold in 45 states through online retailers, distribution centers, and retail stores. The recalled flavors include Strawberry Apple (3.2-ounce), Banana (3.2-ounce), and Banana (1.59-ounce). All lot codes of the product are affected, meaning no remaining batches are considered safe. The recall was triggered after multiple consumers reported choking incidents, including one case that resulted in a child needing emergency room treatment.
Gerber, a subsidiary of Nestlé USA, issued a statement saying the recall was initiated “out of an abundance of caution”and emphasized that the company is working closely with the FDA to remove the product from the market. While Nestlé acknowledged the feeding challenges associated with teething products, it maintained that no reports of serious injuries or deaths have been linked to the recalled teething sticks.
How Gerber's Teething Sticks Pose a Risk to Infants and Toddlers
Teething products are designed to help babies manage gum pain while they transition to solid foods. These sticks are meant to soften over time as babies chew, providing temporary relief from discomfort. However, reports suggest that Gerber’s Soothe 'N' Chew Teething Sticks may break apart too quickly, creating small, solid pieces that babies can choke on before they are able to chew or swallow safely.
Choking is one of the leading causes of injury and death in young children. Infants and toddlers lack fully developed chewing and swallowing reflexes, making them particularly vulnerable when consuming solid foods. If a piece of a teething stick lodges in the airway, it can block airflow to the lungs, leading to suffocation. Even if a choking incident is resolved quickly, the lack of oxygen can cause brain damage or long-term respiratory issues.
The fact that at least one child required emergency medical care after choking on this product underscores the danger it poses. Parents and caregivers who purchased these teething sticks should immediately stop using them and return them to the original retailer for a refund. Gerber has also established a 24/7 helpline (1-800-443-7237) to assist concerned parents.
Legal Rights of Families Affected by the Gerber Recall
When a product marketed for infant use creates a life-threatening hazard, manufacturers can be held liable for the harm caused. Families of children who choked on Gerber’s recalled teething sticks may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit to seek compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and other damages.
Product liability laws hold manufacturers responsible when their products fail to meet safety standards, contain a design or manufacturing defect, or lack proper warnings. In this case, if the teething sticks break apart too easily, resulting in a choking hazard, Gerber could be found negligent in ensuring the product’s safety before putting it on the market. Additionally, if the company failed to warn parents about the risks associated with the product, this could serve as further grounds for legal action.
Parents whose children experienced a choking incident after using these teething sticks should document their experience by saving the product, gathering medical records, and noting any communication with Gerber or the FDA. If the child required emergency medical treatment, the costs associated with hospital visits, ambulance transport, and follow-up care could be recovered through legal action.
Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit Against Gerber
Families who have suffered harm due to this recalled product can file a product liability lawsuit against Gerber. The legal process begins by identifying the defect and proving how it caused harm. In choking cases, evidence may include the broken pieces of the teething stick, medical records, and expert testimony explaining how the product posed an unreasonable risk.
After gathering evidence, an attorney can file a claim against Gerber, outlining the harm caused and the legal basis for holding the company accountable. During litigation, both sides will exchange evidence in a discovery phase, which may include internal company documents showing whether Gerber was aware of the risk before issuing the recall. If the case does not settle, it will go to trial, where a judge or jury will determine whether the company is liable and what damages should be awarded.
Victims can recover economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages if a parent had to miss work to care for their child. Non-economic damages may also be awarded for emotional trauma, pain, and suffering. If evidence shows that Gerber knew about the risks but continued to sell the product without warning consumers, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the company and prevent future misconduct.
The Importance of Legal Representation in Product Liability Cases
Taking legal action against a large corporation like Gerber requires knowledge of product liability law and experience handling complex claims. Manufacturers and their insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, making it difficult for families to recover fair compensation on their own.
An attorney can investigate whether Gerber knew about the risks before the recall, negotiate with the company’s insurers, and present a strong case in court if necessary. Without legal representation, families may struggle to prove their claims or settle for far less than they are entitled to receive. A lawsuit can also push companies to improve product safety standards, preventing similar incidents from happening to other children in the future.
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