URGENT: Baby Formula Recall Linked to Infant Botulism Cases in 10 States

UPDATE: A critical baby formula recall is underway following 13 confirmed cases of infant botulism across 10 U.S. states. Federal and state health officials announced the recall of two lots of ByHeart Inc.’s Whole Nutrition Infant Formula on October 14, 2023, as investigations intensify into the alarming health risks linked to this product.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that all infants hospitalized consumed formula from the affected lots: 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2. The states reporting cases include Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, but the situation remains urgent as health officials work to determine the source of contamination.

Parents must act quickly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises anyone who purchased the recalled formula to check the lot numbers and dispose of it immediately. Consumers should clean any items or surfaces that came into contact with the formula using a dishwasher or hot, soapy water.

Infant botulism is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by a bacterium in the large intestine. Symptoms can take weeks to manifest, which means vigilance is essential. Parents should seek medical attention if their infant shows signs of poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expression.

The recalled formula accounts for approximately 1% of national formula sales and is available online and at major retailers, raising concerns about widespread exposure. The FDA is actively investigating the extent of the contamination and whether other products may be affected.

Next steps: Consumers are urged to monitor their infants closely and report any health issues to healthcare providers immediately. The CDC and FDA continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent situation as health officials work to ensure the safety of all infants and families.