Federal and state health officials are currently investigating a concerning outbreak of infant botulism, with 13 reported cases across 10 states linked to recalled baby formula. ByHeart Inc. has initiated the recall of two specific lots—206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2—of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, as alerted by a statement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The states impacted include Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. All affected infants have been hospitalized, although no fatalities have been reported at this time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that this particular formula represents about 1% of national formula sales and is widely available online and in major retailers. Parents who have purchased the affected formula are urged to note the lot number prior to disposal or return, as well as to thoroughly clean utensils and surfaces that may have contacted the formula with hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
In addition, the CDC stresses the importance of parents seeking immediate medical attention if their infants demonstrate poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or reduced facial expression after consuming the recalled products, as symptoms of infant botulism can take weeks to manifest. The CDC and FDA continue to investigate the source of contamination and any potential impact on other products. A ByHeart spokesperson has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the situation.
The states impacted include Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. All affected infants have been hospitalized, although no fatalities have been reported at this time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that this particular formula represents about 1% of national formula sales and is widely available online and in major retailers. Parents who have purchased the affected formula are urged to note the lot number prior to disposal or return, as well as to thoroughly clean utensils and surfaces that may have contacted the formula with hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
In addition, the CDC stresses the importance of parents seeking immediate medical attention if their infants demonstrate poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or reduced facial expression after consuming the recalled products, as symptoms of infant botulism can take weeks to manifest. The CDC and FDA continue to investigate the source of contamination and any potential impact on other products. A ByHeart spokesperson has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the situation.
