Kroger’s FOR BABY Purified Water Recall: Mold Contamination

Kroger’s has recalled purified water sold for infants, following complaints of mold contamination. 

The Kroger Comforts FOR BABY Purified Water recall was announced by the FDA on December 4, after testing confirmed that it was contaminated with a type of mold known as Talaromyces penicillium.

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

Although there have been no reports of illnesses, parents and caregivers are urged not to use the water, even if no mold is visible. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions, including symptoms similar to hay fever, like sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and rashes on the skin. Mold exposure can also cause asthma attacks, and can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs, even in those who are not allergic to it, the FDA warns.

Those most at risk include infants who have HIV or other conditions that compromise their immune system.

The recall affects Kroger Comforts with Fluoride Added 1 GAL (3.78 L) with UPC Code 0 41260 37597 2 and plant code 51-4140. The labels also indicate, “Distributed by the Kroger Co, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.” The recalled water has sell by dates of 4/26/2018 to 10/10/2018.

FOR BABY Purified Water was 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 recommends that parents and caregivers discontinue use and return the product to the store it was purchased from for a full refund. Stores which sell the product have been instructed to remove the water from store shelves and return to the company.

Consumers with questions can contact the FDA at 1-888-SAFEFOOD,