Hawaii DOH Alerts Public to Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits Recall Over Plastic, Paper

A widely sold baby snack has been pulled from shelves after supplier-sourced arrowroot flour may have contained small pieces of soft plastic and paper, creating a potential choking and injury risk for infants. The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food and Drug Branch issued an alert about the voluntary recall by Gerber Products Company on Jan. 29, urging families to check pantry shelves and avoid feeding the product to keiki.

The recall covers Gerber® Arrowroot Biscuits, identified in some notices as 5.5 oz pouches in the U.S. and as 155 g packages in Canada. The Canadian recall listing provides UPC 0 55000 40314 6 and codes 5231565504 BB 2026 NO 18, 5232565504 BB 2026 NO 19, and 5233565504 BB 2026 NO 20. Consumers are advised to inspect the 10-digit batch code and the best before date printed on the back of the package to determine whether a product is affected.

Recalled shipments were distributed nationwide, and retailers in Hawai‘i that received the product include Walmart, Target, and Longs Drugs. The Hawai‘i DOH Food and Drug Branch is working directly with local grocers to remove recalled items from sale and to prevent further distribution in the islands.

Public health guidance is clear and direct. “Consumers should not feed this product to their child and may return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a refund.” Officials also note, “This product should not be given to children, and can be returned for reimbursement to the place of purchase. Those experiencing injury or illness concerns should reach out to a healthcare provider, and they should dial 911 for emergencies.” In Canada the recall notice instructs: “Do not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled products.” As of the published reports there have been no reported injuries associated with consumption of this product in Hawai‘i or Canada.

Families with questions can call Gerber’s consumer hotline at 1-800-GERBER (1-800-443-7237), which is available 24/7. Canadian consumers with concerns may contact Nestlé Consumer Services at 1-800-387-5536 or by email at consumer.care@ca.nestle.com. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has listed public enquiry and media contacts to support its ongoing investigation.

Beyond immediate consumer safety, the recall highlights larger supply-chain vulnerabilities that can disproportionately affect households with young children and those relying on inexpensive, shelf-stable baby foods. DOH removal efforts and the CFIA investigation aim to contain risk and verify that recalled product is being pulled from the market. For now, parents and caregivers across Big Island County should check packages, set aside any matching items, and return them for a refund or contact the listed consumer hotlines for next steps.