U.S Federal officials are investigating the death of a child who died after consuming a probiotic  named ABC Dophilus Powder, manufactured by Solgar in Leonia, New Jersey. Federal health officials have cautioned consumers about all probiotic dietary supplements for children and warned that these supplements may be dangerous to others also.

The baby developed gastrointestinal mucormycosis (fungal infection)after ingesting the supplement, which was contaminated with the mold Rhizopus oryzae. After taking this dietary supplement, the infant developed intestinal damage known as necrotizing enterocolitis , according to the CDC. This is a serious condition in which intestinal tissue dies. Tissue samples revealed a significant amount of fungal invasion in the infant's intestinal tract. The infant died in October.

The FDA said in a statement that the product had been formulated to contain three species of live bacteria. The infant was given the product in a hospital, which has not been named by either the FDA or the CDC, during a course of treatment. Probiotic products are designed to provide "good" intestinal bacteria as a way to help digestion, and boost health and immunity. Though the product has been recalled it might still be available in health food stores and online. Consumers who still have the product are advised to discard it immediately.

Dietary supplements do not meet strict safety standards. Scores of tainted vitamins and other dietary supplements have been recalled by FDA this year following reports of serious illnesses including death to people who consumed it.

In 2012, two other probiotic products aimed at children, iFlora Kids Multi-Probiotic and iFlora 4-Kids Powder Dietary Supplements, were linked to salmonella contamination. Presence of the fungus forced the company to recall multiple lots.

Studies suggest that probiotic supplementation may be beneficial to premature infants in promoting growth of useful bacteria and eliminate harmful bacteria. In this case the supplement might have been contaminated with fungus. More research studies are needed to make sure if probiotics could facilitate growth of harmful fungi inside the gut.

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