Has the US infant formula recall expanded due to a growing infant botulism outbreak?
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Synopsis
The expansion of the ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula recall has raised concerns as infant botulism cases surge across the United States. Parents are urged to act swiftly to protect their infants from potential harm. Stay informed about the latest updates and what you need to know regarding this alarming situation.
Key Takeaways
- The recall now includes all ByHeart Whole Nutrition products.
- 15 infants have been hospitalized due to infant botulism.
- Symptoms can take weeks to appear after consuming contaminated formula.
- Parents should stop using ByHeart products immediately.
- Stay informed through official health organization updates.
Los Angeles, Nov 12 (NationPress) The recall of ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula in the United States has been broadened to encompass all products, as cases of infant botulism continue to escalate across various states, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of Monday, 15 infants with suspected or confirmed cases of infant botulism have been documented from 12 states, based on an update from the CDC's official website. Although laboratory confirmation is still pending for several cases, reports from the Xinhua news agency indicate ongoing investigations.
Among the 14 cases where illness onset information is available, symptoms began to manifest between August 9 and November 10, according to the CDC. All 15 infants have been hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG, an intravenous treatment for infant botulism, with no fatalities reported.
For the 14 infants for whom age and sex information is accessible, the CDC noted that the patients’ ages ranged from 16 days to 157 days, with half being female.
Initially, ByHeart issued a recall for two lots of its Whole Nutrition infant formula on November 8. However, both the CDC and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have cautioned that more lots could be contaminated and associated with the ongoing illnesses.
On Tuesday, the company extended its recall to include all ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula products, covering all unexpired lots of formula cans and single-serve sticks.
The CDC and FDA have urged parents and caregivers to discontinue the use of any ByHeart infant formula products immediately.
As per the CDC, symptoms of infant botulism may include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, and difficulties with swallowing, which can take several weeks to appear after consumption of contaminated formula.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of swift action in the wake of the expanded ByHeart infant formula recall. The health and safety of our children must remain a top priority, and we encourage all parents to stay vigilant and informed during this troubling time.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is infant botulism?
Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can affect infants under one year of age.
What symptoms should parents look for?
Symptoms of infant botulism can include constipation, weak feeding, loss of head control, and difficulty swallowing. Parents should seek medical attention if these symptoms arise.
Which ByHeart products are affected by the recall?
The recall now includes all ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula products, including all unexpired lots of formula cans and single-serve sticks.
What should parents do if they have ByHeart formula?
Parents are advised to stop using any ByHeart infant formula products immediately and consult their healthcare provider if they have concerns about their child's health.
Where can I find more information about the recall?
For the latest updates on the recall and infant botulism cases, visit the CDC and FDA official websites.
