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IF Copack LLC dba Initiative Foods Recalls “Tippy Toes” Brand Apple Pear Banana Because of Possible Health Risk

By MANNA Foodbank

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:
Elevated levels of patulin
Company Name:
IF Copack, LLC. d.b.a. Initiative Foods
Brand Name:
Tippy Toes
Product Description:
Baby Food

Company Announcement

Sanger, CA – February 13, 2026 – IF Copack LLC d.b.a. Initiative Foods (“Initiative Foods”) is recalling one lot of the “Tippy Toes” brand Apple Pear Banana Fruit puree (“Product”) due to elevated levels of patulin. Patulin is a naturally occurring substance (called a mycotoxin) which is produced by molds that may grow in various fruits, including apples. Long-term exposure resulting from ingestion of patulin can lead to various adverse health consequences, including a potential for immune suppression, nerve damage, headache, fever, and nausea. No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.

The Product was distributed nationwide in retail grocery stores in all U.S. states other than Alaska. The Product may have been distributed in the U.S. territories of Guam and Puerto Rico.

Product Information

Product Name Packaging Format UPC(s) Lot Number(s) / Expiration Date Package Code Identifier
Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana 2-pack plastic tubs, with product information sleeve 036800
265783		 Lot # 07174
Best By Date:
“BB 07/17/2026”		 INIA0120

The “Best By” (expiration) date is found on the bottom of each plastic tub. The recalled Product will have a date stamped as “BB 07/17/2026.” The package is also marked with the package code “INIA0120” as shown below:

The recalled Product was sampled under the Total Diet Study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), which found elevated patulin levels higher than is common for these products. Initiative Foods worked with FDA to identify the single lot to recall due to possible health concerns identified in this notice.

This recall is being conducted based on FDA’s recommendation.

Action for Consumer

Consumers with the Product matching the “Best By” (expiration) date of July 17, 2026 should:

  • Discontinue use of the Product and dispose of it immediately or return to their place of purchase for a refund.
  • Contact their healthcare provider if concerns arise regarding health after consumption of the Product.

Action for Retailers

Retailers should check inventory and shelves, and immediately remove the affected lot from sale or distribution and catalogue the recalled product.

Company Statement

“At Initiative Foods, the safety of our consumers and their families is our highest priority. 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,” said Don Ephgrave, Initiative Foods’ CEO and President.

More Information

For further recall information and updates, consumers and retailers can call a dedicated toll-free number: 1-855-215-5730, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

This recall is being conducted with the full knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
 1-855-215-5730

Product Photos

  • Product front label for Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana, 2-pack tub
  • Product back label with code identifier for Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana, 2-pack tub

______________________________________________________________________________

* We believe that none of the product being recalled were processed or offered through the national office
* We strongly encourage you to notify your agencies within one business day from receipt of this notice.
* ALL cased and uncased inventories, both at the member level and agency level, need to be checked. This product may have entered member and agency warehouses through salvage, local donations, TEFAP, local purchases, retail pickups, food drives, or other avenues.
* For additional local details, please contact the Health Department(s) for the area(s) your food bank serves.
_____________________________________________________________________________
About Feeding America Recall Notices

The Feeding America national office issues notifications of all national Class I and II recalls–those involving a health hazard situation in which there is reasonable probability that eating the food will cause health problems or death–and other recalls that may affect the safety of food supplied to network members.

The national office strongly encourages all member product solicitors, operations managers, and others involved in food and grocery distribution to regularly consult resources provided by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fsis_Recalls/index.asp. Additionally, members can often receive information on national, state, and local recalls by contacting their local health departments.

Feeding America National Office
Feeding America
161 N Clark, Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60601

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