Kroger recalls bottled water for babies that contains dangerous mold
- Kroger discovered mold in its Comforts for Baby purified water.
- The mold can have "serious health consequences" for babies, according to the FDA.
- Kroger is recalling the water in its stores in 14 states.
Kroger is recalling its Comforts For Baby brand purified water after the grocery chain discovered mold in the product.
The grocery chain tested the water, which is sold in gallon jugs, after receiving complaints about mold.
The water tested positive for a type of mold called Talaromyces penicillium that can have "serious health consequences" for babies with immune deficiencies or HIV, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
The mold can also cause asthma attacks and rashes and can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, even in people who aren't allergic to it, the FDA said. The recall affects products sold in Kroger stores across 14 states.
The FDA has issued a rare consumer alert to notify parents of the possible mold contamination.
"The FDA is issuing this consumer alert to reach parents and caregivers who may have bought the product, which is intended for infants," the FDA wrote on its website. "Drinking water or other products contaminated with Talaromyces penicillium may affect infants who have HIV or other conditions that cause immune compromise. These individuals may become infected and this may lead to serious health consequences."
The affected products are labeled "Comforts For Baby Purified Water with Fluoride" and bear the plant code 51-4140 and the UPC number 0 41260 37597 2. Consumers can also identify the recalled water by looking for "sell by" dates between April 26, 2018 and October 10, 2018.