Supercol Food And Liquid Thickener Recall

Clinical significance

• Cronobacter is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacteria found naturally in the environment and known for its ability to survive in dry conditions.
• Cronobacter infections are rare and may occur following ingestion of contaminated feeding products.
• The incubation period is unknown, however may be relatively short (hours to days).
• Young infants, particularly those under two months of age, those born prematurely and those with weakened immune systems, are at greatest risk of severe illness. Severe illness includes bloodstream infection or meningitis; necrotising enterocolitis has also been reported in neonates. Clinical features to watch for include fever or temperature instability, poor feeding, irritability, lethargy and seizures.

Actions required from WA Health staff

• Remove the product from use. Ensure local health service protocols for quarantining, decommissioning and/or disposal of recalled stock are followed. Stock does not need to be returned to the supplier. Patients who still require thickened feeds or fluids will need an alternative feeding plan from their treating team, with Dietetics and Speech Pathology input. An alternative thickener product Aptamil Feed Thickener® is available on contract for Health Service Providers to purchase.
• Provide patients (and/ or their carers) who may have received the affected batch the information in the Key messages section below.
• PathWest and private clinical laboratories have been requested to temporarily notify Communicable Disease Control Directorate (CDCD) of any new Cronobacter detections/isolations.