FDA warns of potentially deadly choking hazard in popular toddler snacks sold at Walmart, Target and Costco
FLORIDA — October 31, 2026 — Parents across Florida and the United States are being urged to check their kitchens after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an urgent warning about a popular…
FLORIDA — October 31, 2026 — Parents across Florida and the United States are being urged to check their kitchens after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an urgent warning about a popular toddler snack that could cause potentially fatal choking.
The warning involves Once Upon a Farm Tractor Wheels Organic Toddler Soft-Baked Bars, which have been sold nationwide at major retailers, including Walmart, Target and Costco, as well as through online stores.
The manufacturer has initiated a voluntary recall covering every flavor, package size, lot code and expiration date of the affected product.
Children Reportedly Unable to Breathe After Eating the Snacks
According to an FDA safety advisory issued October 30, several incidents have been reported involving toddlers between 18 and 30 months old who experienced complete airway obstruction after eating the snack bars.
The FDA explained that the product can reportedly form a dry, sticky mass when chewed, making it particularly difficult to remove from a child’s airway.
In some reported cases, conventional choking first-aid techniques were unsuccessful in dislodging the obstruction.
Several incidents required emergency medical intervention and hospital observation.
The FDA described the situation as a potentially fatal choking hazard.
The agency has not announced any confirmed deaths associated with the product.
Which Products Are Being Recalled?
The recall covers all varieties of Once Upon a Farm Tractor Wheels Organic Toddler Soft-Baked Bars, including:
- Apple, Sweet Potato & Spinach Tractor Wheels
- Strawberry, Pumpkin & Beet Tractor Wheels
- Banana, Pumpkin & Cauliflower Tractor Wheels
All package sizes, lot numbers and expiration dates are included.
Parents should not assume that a recently purchased package is safe simply because its expiration date has not passed.
The recall applies regardless of when the product was purchased.
Sold at Walmart, Target, Costco and Other Retailers
The affected products were distributed nationwide, including in Florida, and were available through several major retail chains.
The FDA identified Walmart, Target and Costco among the stores where the snacks have been sold.
The agency also noted that the products may have been available through Amazon and other third-party online sellers.
Publix, which operates hundreds of supermarkets across Florida, also posted a recall notice identifying affected Tractor Wheels products.
The warning is particularly relevant to families who regularly purchase organic snacks for toddlers.
Company Announces Voluntary Recall
Once Upon a Farm, the California-based company behind the products, announced the voluntary recall on October 30.
The company said its decision followed three consumer complaints involving potential choking hazards.
The manufacturer is working with the FDA to remove affected products from stores and inform families about the safety concerns.
The company also announced plans to reformulate the Tractor Wheels products.
According to its statement, no other Once Upon a Farm products are included in this recall.
What Parents Should Do Immediately
The FDA advises consumers not to buy, serve or feed the affected snack bars to children.
Families who already have the product at home should stop using it immediately.
The FDA recommends throwing the product away.
The manufacturer says customers may also return affected products to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or contact its customer service team at [email protected].
Parents whose children experience symptoms after consuming the product should contact a healthcare professional.
If a child is choking and cannot breathe, emergency services should be contacted immediately. Call 911 if choking first-aid measures fail.
Why This Warning Matters for Florida Families
The recall affects a product marketed for young children and sold through retailers frequently visited by Florida families.
Because the warning covers all varieties and expiration dates, parents are encouraged to carefully inspect snack packages already stored in their homes.
The FDA has not limited the warning to a specific production batch or geographic region.
The agency says it will continue updating its advisory as additional information becomes available.
Sources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration — October 30, 2026
Once Upon a Farm — Voluntary Recall Announcement, October 30, 2026
Publix Super Markets — Product Recall Notice, October 31, 2026
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