Infant tonic recalled over parasite fears

The Hawaii State Department of Health is warning consumers not to drink apple flavored Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water, which is distributed by California-based MOM Enterprises. Health officials say the fluid — advertised as a herbal supplement to treat colic, gas, teething, and other ailments — may contain cryptosporidium; a parasite that can cause intestinal infections.

The most common symptom of infection is watery diarrhea, but other symptoms include dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, fever nausea and vomiting. Symptoms generally begin two to ten days after becoming infected and generally last one to two weeks.

Infants, children and pregnant women are susceptible to dehydration resulting from diarrhea, which can be life-threatening. Parents of children who have recently consumed this product and have these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

MOM Enterprises, Inc. is fully cooperating with a Food and Drug Administration investigation into the cause of the contamination, according to a release from the health department. For more information, visit the FDA website at www.fda.gov.