The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to parents not to buy or serve a soft-baked snack bar from a company co-founded by actress Jennifer Garner.
On Friday, October 30, the agency confirmed receiving reports that Tractor Wheels bars by Once Upon a Farm had completely blocked toddlers’ airways.
“The FDA has received several reports that describe toddlers (ages 1.5–2.5 years) suffering complete airway obstruction with the inability to breathe after consuming the product,” the statement read.
FDA Issues Warning on Jennifer Garner’s Children Snack Brand
The FDA also reported that some choking incidents required emergency medical intervention.
“When chewed, the product reportedly forms a dry, sticky mass that standard choking interventions — including back blows and the Heimlich maneuver — may fail to dislodge. Some reported choking incidents have required emergency response intervention and hospital observation,” the statement continued.
Tractor Wheels bars by Once Upon a Farm are sold in stores across the United States, including Costco, Target and Walmart, according to the FDA.
The FDA urged consumers not to buy or serve the bars and to throw away any they already have. Retailers were also advised to stop selling the product. The agency encouraged consumers to report complaints or adverse events and advised calling 911 if someone is choking and first-aid measures fail.
Tractor Wheels Voluntary Recall
Meanwhile, Once Upon a Farm voluntarily recalled the Tractor Wheels after receiving three consumer reports of a potential choking hazard for children.
“Families trust us with what they feed their children. Guided by our commitment to quality and safety, we are voluntarily recalling all flavors of Once Upon a Farm Tractor Wheels soft-baked bars products,” John Foraker, Co-Founder & CEO of Once Upon a Farm, said in a statement.
He continued, “We are working with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to make sure affected products are removed and families have the information they need. As part of this process and a larger evaluation of Tractor Wheels products, we are reformulating these family favorites to ensure they adhere to the highest standards.”
Garner joined Once Upon a Farm in 2017. “The brand makes perfect sense to me,” she told Live Naturally, via CNBC.
The actress continued, “I did make my kids food, but it wasn’t easy. There were times when I wanted to reach to the store, but what you could buy and what I was making at home didn’t look or smell the same. The store-bought tasted like baby food, but what I was making tasted like real food.”
Jennifer Garner’s Snack Brand Faces FDA Warning Over Potential Toddler Choking Hazard