Thursday, March 28, 2024

Kroger recalls Comforts for Baby Purified Water over mold fears

Kroger says it has recalled Comforts for Baby Purified Water with Fluoride Added after receiving complaints about mold in the product.

Testing by Kroger identified the mold in the infant water as Talaromyces penicillium, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The water was sold in gallon containers with the sell-by dates 4/26/2018 to 10/10/2018.

The affected products are labeled with the UPC Code 0 41260 37597 2 and the plant code 51-4140. The labels also state “DISTRIBUTED BY THE KROGER CO, CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202.”

The water is sold in clear containers, but the mold may not be visible with the naked eye.

The products were distributed to Kroger stores, including Food 4 Less, Jay C, Jay C Food Plus, Kroger, Kroger Marketplace, Owen’s, Payless Super Market, and Ruler stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

The FDA says it issued the consumer alert to reach parents and caregivers who may have bought the product.

If you purchased this product, do not use it, return it to the store for a refund.

What are the Symptoms of Exposure to Molds and to Talaromyces penicillium?

The FDA says, in general, inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Allergic reactions to molds are common and can happen immediately after touching or inhaling mold spores, or later.

Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are also allergic to mold. Molds can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, even in people who aren’t allergic to them.  

Who is at Risk?

Drinking water or other products contaminated with Talaromyces penicillium may affect infants who have HIV or other conditions that cause immune compromise, according to the FDA.

Consult your health care professional if you believe your infant may be affected.

The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to call 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

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