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The Food and Drug Administration warned parents Thursday to avoid Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water-Apple Flavor, a liquid herbal supplement for baby colic, as it could be contaminated.
The FDA conducted lab tests that confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium, a parasite that can cause diarrhea and intestinal infections, in unopened bottles of apple-flavored Baby's Bliss Gripe Water, health officials said.
One 6-week-old baby from Minnesota could be sick from the product, a warning posted Sept. 10 on the FDA’s website says.
Mom Enterprises of San Rafael, Calif., the manufacturer of the remedy, said it had recalled about 17,600 bottles of the product that were being sold over the Internet and at retail stores nationwide.
The possibly contaminated water is packaged in 4-ounce bottles and has Lot Code No. 26952V printed on it and an expiration date of Oct. 8.
Symptoms of Cryptosporidium infection are watery diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. According to the FDA, people infected with Cryptosporidium show symptoms within 2 to 10 days; these generally last one to two weeks.
The FDA warns that infants, children and pregnant women are susceptible to dehydration resulting from diarrhea, which can be life-threatening. Others particularly at risk from the infections are individuals with weakened immune systems.
Health officials advise parents of children who have recently consumed Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water, apple flavor, and have these symptoms, to seek immediate medical attention.
Consumers should discard the product if they have it. The company is offering full refunds.
Mom Enterprises, also known as Bliss by Mom, markets the products as an herbal supplement used to “ease the gas and stomach discomfort often associated with colic, hiccups, and teething.”
A statement from Roshan Kaderali, CEO of Mom Enterprises, Inc. is posted on the company’s website: “We take this matter very seriously … We want to assure all consumers that Mom Enterprises, Inc. has solid policies and procedures in place to ensure that our high quality and top standards are being met.”
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