UAE recalls baby gripe water over alcohol content

The Emirates Drug Establishment and Dubai Health Authority have recalled a specific batch of Baby Sleep Gripe Water from the Babies’ Magic Tea brand due to undisclosed alcohol content. The product, sold as a dietary supplement for colic relief, gas alleviation, sleep promotion, constipation reduction, acid reflux relief, and fussiness mitigation, is intended for babies over two weeks old. The recall, issued under Circular No. 45/2026, is due to the product's lack of valid marketing authorization in the UAE.

Consumers, parents, and caregivers are advised to discontinue use of the product, either discarding it or returning it for a refund. Healthcare facilities and medical practitioners are urged to follow the Emirates Drug Establishment's instructions. The affected batch size and expiry date have not been disclosed.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration, a similar recall occurred earlier this month by Pacific Health Sciences, who voluntarily withdrew one lot of 4oz bottles. FDA testing of the affected lot revealed ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol, all not declared on the label, with measured levels around 8.3% ethanol, 0.35% methanol, and 0.48% isopropanol.

These organic alcohols, responsible for the product's sleep-promoting properties, can impair an infant's central nervous system, causing drowsiness, incoordination, behavioral changes, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Higher doses may lead to respiratory depression and other severe health issues.