Several brands of gripe water have been recalled after testing revealed microbial contamination.
The products – which are marketed as a “gentle antacid for quick relief of baby’s stomach upsets such as colic, cramps, gas, sour stomach, and hiccups” – could pose serious health risks.
Health Canada said RW Consumers Products Ltd had sold its “Gripe Water – Alcohol and Preservative Free” product across Canada.
The company is recalling the products under the following brands:
Atoma
Baby's Choice
Be Better
Equate
Life Brand
Personnelle
Pharmasave
Teddy's Choice
Western Family
Health Canada explained: “Ingesting a contaminated product may pose serious health risks.
“Microbial contamination typically increases the risk of infections, particularly within a vulnerable subpopulation such as infants. Infants have developing immune systems and, as a result, may be more susceptible to the effects of an infection.
“Symptoms of a microbial infection in infants may include vomiting and watery diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain.”
The body added that it will be monitoring the recall and will issue new information if it becomes available.
In the meantime, parents who bought the product are advised to:
Stop giving this product to your baby
Consult with your health care professional if your baby has used this product and you have concerns about their health
Return any unused product to the place of purchase
Contact RW Consumer Products Ltd. at 204-786-6873 if you have questions about the recall.
Report any health product adverse events or complaints to Health Canada
