A Supplier’s Recall Sparks Widespread Action (Image Credits: Foodsafetynews.com)
Canada – Nestlé Canada has issued a recall for select batches of Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits amid concerns over potential soft plastic and paper pieces.[1][2]
A Supplier’s Recall Sparks Widespread Action
The issue traces back to an arrowroot flour supplier that initiated its own recall, prompting Gerber Products Company to act swiftly in the United States.[3] Foreign material from this source raised alarms about soft plastic or paper fragments in the biscuits, materials unfit for consumption, especially by infants and toddlers.[4]
Gerber ceased operations with the supplier immediately. No illnesses or injuries have surfaced to date, but the company prioritized caution to uphold product safety.[3] This proactive step extended northward, with Nestlé Canada following suit for products sold domestically.[2]
Products Targeted in the Canadian Recall
The recall covers Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits in 155-gram packages, marked with specific lot codes and best-before dates.[1] Consumers should inspect the back of packages for these identifiers:
- 5231565504 BB 2026 NO 18
- 5232565504 BB 2026 NO 19
- 5233565504 BB 2026 NO 20
The UPC code is 0 55000 40314 6. These items reached stores and online retailers nationwide.[2] Classified as a Class 3 recall by Canadian authorities, it signals low immediate health risk but underscores the need for prompt removal.[1]
Details from the U.S. Recall
In the United States, Gerber targeted a broader set of 5.5-ounce (equivalent to 155 grams) Arrowroot Biscuits produced from July to September 2025.[3] Affected batch codes include over 20 variations, such as 5198565504 through 5259565505, with best-before dates spanning October to December 2026.[4]
The recall applied nationwide, but no other Gerber products faced scrutiny. Parents reported no adverse events as of late January 2026.[3] This cross-border alignment ensures consistent safety measures for families on both sides of the border.
Steps for Concerned Parents and Caregivers
Canadian consumers should discard recalled biscuits or return them to the purchase point for disposal or refund. Nestlé Consumer Services stands ready at 1-800-387-5536 or consumer.care@ca.nestle.com, available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.[2]
In the U.S., return items to retailers or contact Gerber around the clock at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237).[3] Double-check batch codes before feeding similar products. Retailers have pulled affected stock from shelves.
Key Takeaways
- Only specific batches from mid-2025 production are involved; check labels carefully.
- No reported illnesses, but do not feed suspect products to children.
- Companies emphasize safety and have cut ties with the problematic supplier.
Gerber and Nestlé’s rapid response highlights the food industry’s commitment to infant nutrition safety, even absent confirmed harm. Parents can rest easier knowing vigilance prevails. What steps have you taken with baby foods lately? Share in the comments.
