Advisory: Simply Thick may be associated with NEC

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada are warning parents and caregivers to talk to their doctors before using Simply Thick to feed their babies. Use of this product may be linked to a serious condition called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), in which tissues in the intestines become dangerously damaged.

This xanthan gum-based product is generally given to premature babies who have issues swallowing (it thickens breastmilk and formula).

While previous advisories have gone out for parents of premature babies, the advisories have been revised to include full-term babies using the product, as well. Health Canada urges parents discuss use of this product with their doctor and not to feed this product to premature babies.