In brief
Ashaan Carter, a 10-month-old boy from Portland, is struggling to recover from infant botulism after consuming contaminated ByHeart baby formula. His mother received this formula through a program designed to assist poor and homeless families just before a nationwide recall. Ashaan has since suffered severe health complications, highlighting the critical importance of food safety, especially for vulnerable families relying on social services. Legal actions are ongoing against ByHeart as affected families seek justice.
A Portland, Oregon, boy is struggling to recover from infant botulism after drinking contaminated ByHeart baby formula donated through a program that aims to help poor and homeless families. Ashaan Carter, now 10 months old, was hospitalized twice and remains on a feeding tube after contracting the dangerous infection that has sickened over 50 babies across the U.S. His mother, Angel Carter, received a can of ByHeart formula from a case worker in early November, just days before a nationwide recall.Carter, who relies on state food and housing assistance, had been breastfeeding but faced a dwindling milk supply. The case worker assured her that the ByHeart formula was “closest to breast milk” and could help her son. However, after consuming it, Ashaan developed severe constipation and muscle weakness, rendering him unable to move his head. At the hospital, doctors diagnosed him with presumed infant botulism related to the ByHeart formula.He underwent treatment with BabyBIG, an IV medication that provides antibodies to combat the infection. Despite a brief respite from hospitalization, Ashaan's health sharply declined again, leading to a second hospitalization where he faced severe weight loss and muscle issues. The social service caseworker later warned Carter to stop using the formula after the recall, but the damage was already done, and Ashaan continues to experience health challenges.This situation raises alarming concerns regarding the safety of donated baby formula, especially for vulnerable families depending on such assistance. Since June 2022, nearly 24,000 cans of ByHeart formula were distributed through various nonprofits to help families in need. The Oregon caseworker's experience reflects the deeper systemic issues surrounding food safety for at-risk populations.As of late December, no new infant botulism cases related to ByHeart have been recorded, and investigations into the contamination source are ongoing. Legal actions are being pursued by affected families against ByHeart, with over 18 lawsuits filed as they seek accountability for this troubling public health crisis.
