Initiative Foods has announced a nationwide recall of one lot of its “Tippy Toes” Apple Pear Banana Fruit purée after federal testing detected elevated levels of patulin, a toxin that can pose health risks.
According to the company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recall applies to a specific production lot after routine testing identified higher-than-acceptable levels of the mold-related toxin. Patulin can naturally develop in fruits affected by mold, particularly apples. While small amounts are sometimes present in fruit products, elevated exposure over time may lead to symptoms such as nausea, headaches, fever, nerve-related issues, and potential immune system suppression.
“At Initiative Foods, the safety of our consumers and their families is our highest priority,” said CEO and President Don Ephgrave. “We are cooperating with the FDA to ensure strict review and enhanced safety measures across all our products. We thank our retail partners and customers for their understanding and prompt action on this matter.”
The FDA reported that no illnesses or injuries have been linked to the recalled product at this time.
The affected baby food was distributed to grocery stores across the United States, excluding Alaska. It may also have been sold in Puerto Rico and Guam. Consumers are being asked to check the bottom of each plastic tub for the “Best By” date of BB 07/17/2026 and the code INIA0120.
Anyone who purchased a product with the listed date and code is advised to stop using it immediately. The company recommends disposing of the product or returning it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Retailers have been instructed to remove the impacted lot from shelves. Parents or caregivers who believe their child may have experienced symptoms after consuming the purée are encouraged to consult a healthcare provider.
The recall highlights ongoing federal monitoring of baby food products as regulators continue testing for contaminants and toxins that could affect infants and young children.
