Parent Briefing: Once Upon a Farm Toddler Bars Recalled for Choking Hazard — Brookshire Farms E. Coli at 13 Potential, Measles at 4,852

Parent Briefing — 31 October 2026

Once Upon a Farm Tractor Wheels Toddler Bars Recalled Nationwide for Choking Hazard

On October 30–31, the FDA issued a warning and Once Upon a Farm initiated a voluntary recall of all flavors, lot codes, and expiration dates of its Tractor Wheels Organic Toddler Soft-Baked Bars. The product is marketed for toddlers ages 1.5–2.5 years and sold at Costco, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and online.

Reports describe toddlers suffering complete airway obstruction after chewing the bars. The bars reportedly form a dry, sticky mass that standard first-aid measures (back blows, Heimlich) may fail to dislodge. Some incidents required emergency response and hospital observation. Consumers should immediately stop using any flavor and discard the product. Return to the place of purchase for a refund if available.

Brookshire Farms E. Coli (STEC) Investigation Update

San Luis Obispo County Public Health continues its investigation into Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) linked to visits to Brookshire Farms (pumpkin patch and corn maze) between October 16 and 26. As of the latest update:

• 5 laboratory-confirmed E. coli O157 cases

• 8 additional cases under investigation (symptoms consistent with STEC after farm visit)

• 3 cases have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

• Farm remains closed; environmental testing has been conducted

• Source still under investigation

Children under 10 (especially under 5) are at highest risk for HUS. Anyone who visited during the window and develops severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, or vomiting should contact a healthcare provider promptly. Officials note that ordinary pumpkins are not the concern — the investigation focuses on farm exposure.

Similar investigations are underway at other animal attractions (Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Illinois; State Fair of Texas petting zoo).

Measles Update

CDC reports 4,852 confirmed US measles cases as of October 29 (up 264 in the prior week). Pennsylvania reports 1,426 cases, 268 hospitalizations, and 5 measles-related deaths. 96% of cases are in unvaccinated or unknown-status individuals. Children under 5 account for 812 cases.

What Parents Can Do Now

• Discard any Once Upon a Farm Tractor Wheels bars immediately.

• If your child visited Brookshire Farms (or similar farms) Oct 16–26 and develops GI symptoms, seek care and mention possible STEC exposure.

• Confirm MMR status for household members; discuss timing with your clinician if traveling or in outbreak areas.

• Practice hand hygiene after farm or animal contact; supervise young children closely around livestock.

Sources: FDA advisory (Oct 30–31, 2026); San Luis Obispo County Public Health updates (Oct 30–31); CDC measles data (as of Oct 29); Marler Blog and local reporting.