(Washington, DC) — The Department of Health issues a health alert following a warning issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a voluntary recall by the manufacturer of Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water advising consumers not to drink or serve the beverage.
The product, Baby's Bliss Gripe Water, apple flavor, with a code of 26952V and expiration date of October 2008 (shown as "10/08" on the label), is distributed by MOM Enterprises, Inc., of San Rafael, California. The FDA confirmed through laboratory analysis the presence of cryptosporidium after investigating the illness of a six-week-old infant in Minnesota who consumed the product. Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause intestinal infections.
"We have identified three stores in the state that have sold this beverage, and we have made sure that the product has been removed from sale," Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. said. "Consumers who have this item at home should be sure it is not coded and dated as described in the FDA warning. If it is, please do not use the beverage, but discard it immediately."
The three stores known to have carried Baby's Bliss Gripe Water are:
- Over the Moon, Avon, MN
- Bissell Pharmacy, Ridgefield, MN
- Starlight Baby, Southbury, MN
All of the above stores have been contacted by Consumer Protection and are aware of the recall.
The most common symptom of infection is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms can include dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms generally begin two to ten days after becoming infected with the parasite and generally last one to two weeks. While most people with healthy immune systems will recover without treatment, the infection could be serious or life-threatening for certain individuals. Infants, children and pregnant women are susceptible to dehydration resulting from diarrhea, which can be life-threatening. Individuals with weakened immune systems are also at risk for a more serious and life-threatening form of illness.
Parents of children who have recently consumed apple flavored Baby's Bliss Gripe Water and have these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Parents and caregivers who have given this product to their infants and children should be alert for diarrhea and other signs of Cryptosporidium infection.
The product was sold in a four-ounce plastic bottle packaged inside of a cardboard carton, labeled with the following: Baby's Bliss. Pediatrician Recommended Gripe Water. Apple Flavor.
For more information as it becomes available, feel free to contact the Department of Health Food Safety and Hygiene Inspection Services Division at (202) 535-2180.