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Baby's Bliss Gripe Water Recalled Due to Cryptosporidium Contamination. Parasite May Have Sickened At Least One Infant.

Sep 21, 2007 | Parker Waichman Alonso, LLP

Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water, a drink sold as an antidote to colic and other ailments that plague infants, is being recalled because it is contaminated with the intestinal parasite Cryptosporidium.  The Food & Drug Administration ordered the recall after a 6-week old infant became sick after drinking Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that lives in the intestines of infected humans or infants.   The parasite is found in soil, food, water or on surfaces that have been in contact with infected human or animal feces.  The parasite causes diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, fever, nausea and vomiting.  It can be particularly dangerous for young children, who are more susceptible to the effects of dehydration.

MOM Enterprises Inc., the manufacturer of Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water, is recalling the apple flavored variety of the product.   The recalled Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water bears a the code 26952V and an expiration date of October 2008 (10/08).   The product is labeled “Baby’s Bliss. Pediatrician Recommended Gripe Water. Apple Flavor.”  It is an herbal supplement used to relieve gas and stomach discomfort associated with colic, hiccups and teething in infants and children.  Anyone who has the recalled Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water should throw it away immediately.

At least one infant is known to have become sick after drinking the Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water.   Symptoms of Cryptosporidium infection usually appear between two and 10 days after ingesting something contaminated with the parasite.   Caregivers of children who were given the Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water should be on the lookout for signs of infection in children and themselves.  If Cryptosporidium infection is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention.

Generally, most people will recover from Cryptosporidium; however it can be dangerous for children, pregnant women, older people and those with weakened immune systems.  Fluid loss from dehydration is extremely dangerous for infants, the people most likely to consume Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water.  Caregivers should discuss fluid replacement options with their pediatricians should a child become infected.  To avoid infection themselves, caregivers should be sure to wash their hands thoroughly following diaper changes, even if they are wearing gloves.

Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water is only the latest popular children’s product to be implicated in an outbreak of food poisoning.   Earlier this summer, Veggie Booty, an organic snack mix, was blamed for an outbreak of Salmonella poisoning that sickened more than 100 people, mostly children.   And in February, several children became ill after Salmonella-laced Peter Pan and Great Value Peanut Butter sickened more than 600 people.  Baby carrots, salad mix and fresh bagged spinach have also been recalled this year due to contamination with food borne bacteria and parasites.