On September 20, 2007, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dispatched a warning to consumers about the risk of Cryptosporidium illness from consumption of Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water, apple flavor. The manufacturer, MOM Enterprises, Inc., has recalled more than 17,600 bottles of the product that was sold in retail stores and on the internet between November 2006 and September 2007.

The recall was prompted after an investigation of a 6-week-old infant in Minnesota revealed cryptosporidium in unopened bottles of apple flavored Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water. Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water is a liquid herbal supplement that is used as a remedy to ease infant gas and stomach discomfort often associated with colic, hiccups, and teething.

The recalled product was sold in a four-ounce plastic bottle packaged inside of a cardboard carton and can be identified by:

• A code of 26952V, appearing on the bottle’s carton, and

• An expiration date of “10/08”, also on the carton.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause Cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal disease. Symptoms generally begin between two to 10 days of becoming exposed to cryptosporidium, and can last one to two weeks. Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include:

• Dehydration,
• Weight loss,
• Stomach cramps or pain,
• Fever,
• Nausea, and
• Vomiting.

The FDA is advising consumers to discard any bottles of the product and to consult a pediatrician if a child becomes ill after consumption. MOM Enterprises is offering full refunds on returned products. Consumers may contact MOM Enterprise at 1-877-451-4955 for more information, and may also contact the FDA at 1-888-723-3366.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “FDA Warns Consumers about the Risk of Cryptosporidium Illness from Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water,” September 20, 2007; Associated Press,” Warning Issued on Baby Colic Remedy,” September 20, 2007.; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fact Sheet: Cryptosporidium Infection August 19, 2005, retrieved September 24, 2007.