Thickening of breast milk or formula is sometimes recommended in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in infancy. Earlier this month, the FDA issued a recall of Simply Thick, a thickening agent manufactured by Thermo Pac, LLC. They are investigating a possible link between the product and several cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal condition seen most often in premature infants.
The FDA is aware of 15 cases of NEC, including two deaths, involving the use of Simply Thick mixed in the breast milk or formula of premature infants. Until the investigation is concluded, the agency is recommending that parents stop using the product in infants born at or before 37 weeks gestation.
Here’s a link to the FDA consumer update: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm256250.htm
