Infant Formula Recall Due to Botulism Cases

Health officials are looking into 13 instances of infant botulism across ten states linked to a specific infant formula that has been recalled.

ByHeart Inc. is recalling two batches of its complete nutritional infant formula as announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Saturday.

Thirteen infants have been hospitalized after consuming formula lots 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2. The cases span multiple states, including Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington.

No fatalities related to this formula have been reported. The FDA is currently investigating how the contamination occurred and whether other products might be impacted.

“The safety and well-being of every infant who uses our formula is our absolute top priority,” stated Mia Fant, co-founder and president of ByHeart. She emphasized that potential safety issues are taken very seriously and expressed understanding of the concerns parents may feel. This recall is a precautionary measure reflecting their commitment to safety and transparency for families.

The affected infant formula, available online and at major retailers, represents about 1 percent of the country’s infant formula sales, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC advises anyone who bought the recalled formula to note the lot number before discarding or returning it. They also recommend cleaning any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the formula using a dishwasher or hot soapy water. Immediate medical attention should be sought if an infant shows difficulty feeding or swallowing, loses head control, or exhibits reduced facial expressions after consuming the formula.

The CDC explains that infant botulism is caused by bacteria that create toxins in the large intestine. Symptoms can take weeks to appear, making it essential for parents to be vigilant. Signs of infant botulism may include constipation, poor feeding, droopy eyelids, dull pupils, a flattened facial expression, diminished sucking and gagging reflexes, weak or altered crying, difficulty breathing, and potentially respiratory arrest.