Several brands of gripe water recalled

Several brands of gripe water used to treat upset stomach in babies have been recalled due to microbial contamination.

Health Canada says RW Consumer Products Ltd. is recalling all lots of "Gripe Water--Alcohol And Preservative Free." They are sold under various brand names including Shoppers Drug Mart's Life Brand, the Walmart brand Equate, Rexall's brand Be Better and the Pharmasave brand.

The recalled gripe water is also sold under the brand names Atoma, Baby's Choice, Personnelle, Teddy's Choice and Western Family. The various products all carry the natural product number 80080669.

Health Canada says ingesting a contaminated product may pose serious health risks and that infants may be more vulnerable because they have developing immune systems.

Symptoms of a microbial infection in infants may include vomiting and watery diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain.

Gripe water is marketed as a way to relieve minor stomach upsets including colic, cramps, gas and hiccups.

Health Canada advises consumers to stop using the recalled product and to consult a healthcare professional if there are concerns about a baby's health. Consumers should also return any unused product to the place of purchase.