FDA Issues Warning on Colic Remedy

WASHINGTONFDA warned parents not to give babies a liquid herbal supplement marketed as a remedy for colic and teething pain after several bottles tested positive for a parasite that may have a sickened a six-week-old infant in Minnesota. Lab tests conducted by FDA (www.FDA.gov) confirmed the presence of the parasite Cryptosporidium, which can cause diarrhea and intestinal infections, in unopened bottles of appleflavored Babys Bliss Gripe Water. The supplements distributor, MOM Enterprises of San Rafael, Calif., said it had recalled about 17,600 bottles of the product for sale through the Internet and at retail stores nationwide. Besides the Minnesota baby, there have been no other reported illnesses linked to the product, which is sold in 4-oz. bottles, bears the code 26952V, and has an expiration date of October 2008. FDA said people infected with Cryptosporidium generally display symptoms within two to 10 days. The most common symptom is diarrhea, and other symptoms include dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. Health officials advised consumers to discard any of this product and to consult a pediatrician if it was consumed by a child who seems sick. MOM Enterprises is offering full refunds. Call (877) 457-4955 for more information.