September 21, 2007
DPHHS Warns of Risk of Cryptosporidium Illness from Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is warning consumers not to consume apple-flavored Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water with a code of 26952V and expiration date of October 2008, state public health officials said Friday, Sept. 21, 2007.
The product is known to have been distributed in Montana.
The product is distributed by MOM Enterprises, Inc., of San Rafael, Calif. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed through laboratory analysis the presence of cryptosporidium after investigating in August 2007 the illness of a 6-week-old infant in Minnesota who consumed the product. Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause intestinal infections.
To date there have been no known Montana cases of cryptosporidium in infants or children linked to the use of this product; however, state public health officials are investigating, said Howard Reid of the DPHHS Food and Consumer Safety Section.
The product is as an herbal supplement used to ease gas and stomach discomfort often associated with colic, hiccups, and teething.
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 that 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.
Approximately 17,600 bottles of the product were distributed nationwide in retail stores and sold over the Internet between November 2006 and September 2007.
The product is sold in a four-ounce plastic bottle packaged inside of a cardboard carton which is labeled with the following: Baby’s Bliss. Pediatrician Recommended Gripe Water. Apple Flavor. Dietary Supplement. The FDA advises consumers to throw away bottles of the product described above that they have in their possession.
MOM Enterprises, Inc. is fully cooperating with FDA’s investigation into the cause of the contamination and is recalling all potentially contaminated products. FDA continues to investigate and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Consumers are encouraged to call the FDA at 1-888-723-3366.
For more information, call the Communicable Disease Control and Prevention Program at 406-444-0273.
