Four times this year the Canadian Food inspection agency has recalled a frozen food product over the fear of salmonella contamination. More than 70 people across Canada are infected by a foodborne illness.
Recent cases of food and drink recall show just how dangerous a little mistake in food processing or packaging can be, and later evolve into a massive life-threatening issue.
Now many popular brands of gripe water are being recalled after the company that manufactures them discovered microbial contamination in testing.
Health Canada is advising Canadians that RW Consumer Products Ltd. is recalling all lots of the product “Gripe Water – Alcohol And Preservative Free” (Natural Product Number [NPN] 80080669), sold under various brand names, because company testing showed microbial contamination. These products have been sold at retailers across Canada.
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 microbial infection in infants may include vomiting and watery diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain.
Health Canada will monitor the company’s recall and inform Canadians if new safety information becomes available.
The recalled “Gripe Water – Alcohol And Preservative Free” products are labeled with the NPN 80080669 and are sold under the following brand names:
- Atoma
- Baby's Choice
- Be Better
- EquateLife Brand
- Personnelle
- Pharmasave
- Teddy's Choice
- Western Family
Consumers should stop giving the product immediately and return any unused product to the place of purchase. Health Canada says to talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.