A nationwide recall has been issured for "Tippy Toes" brand Apple Pear Banana Fruit puree due to elevated levels of patulin.
Initiative Foods announced the recall Friday, February 13, 2026.
According to the FDA, patulin is a naturally occurring toxin produced by molds that can develop in fruits, including apples. Over time, ingestion of patulin can lead to health problems such as immune suppression, nerve damage, headaches, fever and nausea. At this time, no illnesses have been reported.
The "Tippy Toes" fruit puree product was distributed nationwide in grocery stores in all states except Alaska.
The company advises anyone who purchased the product with best buy date of 7/17/26 to stop using it immediately and dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. See below for more information.
Full FDA media release below:
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.
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 [above]:
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.