Babies' Magic Tea Gripe Water Recalled: Undeclared Alcohols and What Parents Should Do

## What happened

Pacific Health Sciences voluntarily recalled one lot of Babies' Magic Tea brand Baby Sleep Gripe Water after FDA testing found undeclared ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol. The product is marketed to help infants with sleep, gas, colic, and fussiness.

Lot 25122bw (best before December 2028), sold in 4-ounce amber bottles inside blue cardboard boxes with an oral syringe, was distributed via Secrets of Tea and online retailers including Amazon. FDA testing measured approximately 8.3% ethanol, 0.35% methanol, and 0.48% isopropanol — none listed on the label.

## Why this matters for parents

Gripe water and similar herbal sleep aids are popular among parents of fussy newborns. Alcohols, especially methanol and high levels of ethanol, are not appropriate for infants. The FDA noted potential risks including central nervous system effects, drowsiness, nausea, and longer-term developmental concerns with ethanol exposure in babies. No adverse events had been reported as of the recall announcement, but parents are urged to stop use immediately.

## What changed and competing viewpoints

The recall is voluntary and limited to one lot. The company and FDA recommend discarding or returning the product for a refund. Some parent communities online have long debated the safety and efficacy of gripe waters and herbal remedies, with pediatric groups generally cautioning against unproven supplements for infants. This incident reinforces the value of checking lot numbers and preferring evidence-based approaches for colic and sleep.

## What to watch next

- Confirm whether additional lots or similar products from the brand or others are tested.
- Watch for any reports of adverse events linked to the lot.
- Broader regulatory attention to dietary supplements marketed for infants.
- Parents who used the product should monitor for symptoms and contact a pediatrician if concerned. Contact Pacific Health Sciences for refund details.

Check your cabinets for Lot 25122bw and dispose of or return any matching bottles. Official FDA notice is the authoritative source.