Safety Alert Alliance Disposables Ltd Utopia Reusable Fork Dessert 18/0 Stainless Steel UJZ1151 (ICN 3443)

NHSSC: 49

Update:

• Alliance Disposables Ltd and manufacturer Steelite-Utopia have completed extensive investigations and stock checks following reports of metallic remnants being found between the tines of a small number of forks.
• Inspections of stock held at both organisations identified no further examples of the issue, and reviews of historical quality records found no previous reports of a similar nature.
• Alliance Disposables Ltd has concluded that this was an isolated manufacturing quality inspection failure and that there is no evidence of a batch-specific or wider product quality defect.
• The matter has been raised with the manufacturer and quality control processes have been reinforced.
• See our Downloads section to see the manufacturer’s letter and the supplier’s letter for more information about the investigation findings.
• All NHS Supply Chain stock has been released from quarantine based on the outcome of the supplier’s investigations.
• UJZ1151 – Reusable Fork Dessert – 18/0 Stainless Steel is now available to order.

Next Steps:

• Customers should ensure cutlery is washed and visually inspected before first use in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If any further product concerns arise, please notify NHS Supply Chain via our product complaints process.
• See our Useful Links section to access our Product Complaint Form.

NHSSC: 49

Alert:

• NHS Supply Chain has been made aware of a potential safety concern regarding Utopia Reusable Fork Dessert distributed by Alliance Disposables Limited having received customer product complaints.
• Whilst working with the supplier, we are making customers aware of the potentially affected products.
• The presence of small metallic remnants between the tines of a limited number of forks has been reported.
• The supplier strongly recommends that all cutlery is thoroughly washed before first use.
• This is an important part of standard product-use guidance and ensures that any loose residue or material associated with the manufacturing, finishing, packing or handling processes is removed before the product enters service.
• If swallowed, metallic remnants may cause a potential choking hazard.

Products Affected:

• One product is affected.
• The one product affected is available via NHS Supply Chain Stocked route:

• NHS Supply Chain has quarantined all affected products whilst we work with supplier on the issue.
• The affected product is suspended and unavailable to order.
• Potential indirect alternative products are available to order through our online catalogue:
  • UJB85015 – Reusable Fork Dessert – 18/0 Stainless Steel – (Economy Design)
  • UJZ1149 – Table – 18/0 Stainless Steel – (Economy Design)
  • UTC391 – Dessert – 18/0 Stainless Steel – (Mulhacen Design).
• See our Downloads ▼ section to access the product listing for further information on the affected product code and potential alternatives.
• Where potential alternatives are identified, customers are advised to consult their own clinical experts to ensure suitability for your organisation’s use of these products.

Next Steps:

• Customers are advised to be aware of any potential issues with the affected product.
• If any product concerns arise, please notify NHS Supply Chain via our product complaints route.
• See our Useful Links section to access our Product Complaint Form.
• We will update this ICN with more information and guidance as it becomes available.

If you have any further questions, please contact your local NHS Supply Chain Customer Service Advisor or the Acute team.