Amidst reports of more than 30 cases of infant botulism traced to ByHeart baby formula since August, parents of babies who fell ill months earlier are advocating for attention and answers. California public health officials confirmed that six infants who consumed ByHeart's product were treated for botulism between November 2024 and June 2025, long before the recent spike in cases that has affected at least 31 babies across 15 states.
Despite the ongoing investigation and increased scrutiny, health officials have stated that they currently cannot connect prior incidents to the outbreak that began after August 1. Parents like Amy Mazziotti and Katie Connolly have shared their heartbreaking experiences with public health and their frustrations stemming from a lack of urgency around their children's illnesses.
Mazziotti's son Hank was hospitalized after consuming ByHeart formula, leading her to question, This cannot be a coincidence, following the nationwide recall of ByHeart products on November 11 in light of the growing botulism cases. Laboratory tests have since confirmed contamination in previously unopened formula samples.
Katie Connolly expressed further frustration, asking why her daughter's earlier illness did not trigger an investigation, underscoring the emotional toll this situation has taken on families. Meanwhile, federal agencies have shifted focus to understanding the sudden spike in infections that began late summer 2025, emphasizing that their priority is managing the ongoing challenge and preventing further health crises.
Botulism is a severe illness rarely seen in infants, caused by ingesting spores that can thrive within the digestive tract. With less than 200 cases reported annually in the U.S., officials are navigating unprecedented circumstances, affecting not only the children but also heightening anxiety among parents relying on feeding products like ByHeart formula. As the investigation continues, affected families await the answers they desperately need.
