SimplyThick has been labeled by many as the next-generation in food and beverage thickening. It was developed to aid in the process of swallowing for those who, otherwise, have problems doing so on their own. However, recent SimplyThick lawsuits indicate that the thickening agent may be responsible for a severe, life-threatening condition known as necrotizing enterocolitis. As a result, a SimplyThick recall has been issued.
If you or a loved one has been injured by SimplyThick, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
What’s the problem?
SimplyThick is a revolutionary thickening agent that offers a solution to the dysphagic population. Dysphagia is a condition in which an individual may not be able to swallow properly due to throat trauma. By thickening the consistency in food and beverages, SimplyThick aids in the natural swallowing process. In particular, SimplyThick for infants is designed to help with swallowing difficulties in premature babies. By adding it to breast milk or formula, parents may prevent occurrences of spitting up. However, dangerous side effects that coincide with the thickening agent have caused many parents to seek out a professional SimplyThick lawyer.
Unfortunately, adverse health effects have become synonymous with the popular thickening agent. Babies who ingest SimplyThick may develop a potentially fatal complication. Premature infants who were born before 37 weeks may be at an increased risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis if they are given products containing SimplyThick. Due to the severity of these side effects, numerous SimplyThick lawsuits have been filed in courts. Accordingly, a SimplyThick recall has been issued, as of June 4, in order to prevent any future occurrences.
SimplyThick Recall
Thermo Pac, LLC, the owner and operator of the plant where the SimplyThick recall took place, failed to file with the FDA a scheduled process designed to ensure that harmful bacteria, of possible public health significance, are destroyed during the manufacturing process. Accordingly, this failure was acknowledged upon an FDA inspection of their Stone Mountain plant conducted between May 23 and June 3, 2011.
On June 4, a SimplyThick recall took place at the Stone Mountain, GA plant that affected thickening agents produced since June 1, 2009. However, products manufactured at their other facilities remain on the market. The SimplyThick recall is a direct result of the company’s gross negligence and utter failure to ensure that harmful bacteria were destroyed in the manufacturing process at the Stone Mountain manufacturing plant.
SimplyThick Side Effects
SimplyThick may be responsible for the following symptoms in both adults and infants:
- Bloated stomach
- Vomit consisting of a greenish tinge
- Bloody stools
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
SimplyThick Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Necrotizing Enterocolitis is a condition in which the intestine becomes infected and inflamed. In many cases, the infected tissue detaches itself from the wall of the intestine. In severe cases, the symptoms can manifest themselves into a potentially fatal complication.
Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged at least 15 cases of necrotizing enterocolitis, two of which have lead to the deaths of infants who were given SimplyThick. In the past six months, at least four medical centers have come forth with evidence that adds weight to the long-suspected link between SimplyThick and NEC. These staggering statistics have caused many parents to file a Simply Thick lawsuit.
SimplyThick FDA Warning
The following is an official FDA press release:
The FDA is advising parents, caregivers and health care providers not to feed SimplyThick, a thickening product, to premature infants. The product may cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening condition.
FDA first learned of adverse events possibly linked to the product on May 13, 2011. To date, the agency is aware of 15 cases of NEC, including two deaths, involving premature infants who were fed SimplyThick for varying amounts of time. The product was mixed with mothers’ breast milk or infant formula products.
Illnesses have been reported from at least four different medical centers around the country. The illnesses of which FDA is aware involve premature infants who became sick over the past six months. SimplyThick was added to the feeding regimen of those infants who later developed NEC to help with swallowing difficulties stemming from complications of premature birth.
Do I have a SimplyThick Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in SimplyThick lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by SimplyThick, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your SimplyThick lawsuit and we can help.