A maker of organic baby formula is recalling some products after a concerning link to a 10-state infant botulism outbreak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that 13 children have been hospitalized since August due to the ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported.
The recall involves two lots of powdered formula with a “use by” date of December 1. Parents should check for lot numbers 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2. The FDA advises parents who have the product to discard it immediately.
Infant botulism is caused by a toxin that can lead to severe symptoms like constipation, poor feeding, and in severe cases, paralysis. Keeping a close eye on infants fed this formula is crucial, as symptoms can take weeks to appear.
The outbreak has affected babies in Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. ByHeart stated that they received information from the FDA about around 83 botulism reports linked to the formula.
Interestingly, historical data shows that infant botulism cases have fluctuated over the years, but a direct link to infant formula is rare. ByHeart aims to ensure safety by removing potentially harmful products from shelves. The FDA has not yet confirmed a direct link between the formula and the illness, and tests are ongoing to identify the source of the contamination.
California health officials have noted an increase in cases among infants who consumed ByHeart since August. Preliminary tests of a can from an affected infant suggest the presence of the botulism-causing bacteria.
ByHeart’s formula is made from organic, grass-fed whole milk, and they claim it closely resembles breast milk. They sell their formula through nearly 12,000 retailers, and it accounts for less than 1% of baby formula sales in the U.S.
For treatment, healthcare providers can use BabyBIG, an FDA-approved medication that contains antibodies to combat botulinum toxins. As the situation develops, the FDA works to ensure the safety of infant formulas across the country.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the CDC’s guidelines on infant botulism and updates from the California Department of Public Health.
