FDA Issues Warning Against 'SimplyThick' For Infants

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning the public against feeding SimplyThick to premature infants, health officials said.

SimplyThick, a thickening agent, is used for people who have a difficult time swallowing. The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to avoid giving it to babies who were born before 37 weeks, according to the Monterey County Health Department.

Health care providers are also being warned to stop administering the thickening agent to premature infants.

The product has been linked to a life-threatening condition, necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, in premature babies. NES is characterized by inflammation or death of intestinal tissue, health officials said.

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