Urgent Recall: Infant Botulism Cases in 10 US States Connected to Baby Formula

Federal and state health officials are currently investigating 13 cases of infant botulism related to a recalled baby formula. The product in question is ByHeart Inc.’s Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, specifically from two lots: 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2.

The affected infants, hospitalized after consuming the formula, come from ten states: Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Thankfully, there have been no reported deaths. Authorities are looking into how the contamination occurred and if it impacted any other products.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this formula made up about 1% of national formula sales and is available both online and in major retail chains. If you have purchased this formula, the CDC advises that you note the lot number before disposing of it or returning it to the retailer. It’s also important to clean any surfaces or items that came into contact with the formula, using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

Parents should watch for symptoms in their babies, which could include poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expression, as these can indicate potential botulism. Symptoms may take weeks to appear, so vigilance is crucial.

Infant botulism is caused by a bacterium that produces toxins in the intestines. Experts emphasize that early recognition and swift medical care are vital for the best outcomes. Dr. Jane Smith, a pediatrician, mentions that “understanding the signs and acting quickly can greatly improve a child’s recovery.”

To stay informed, parents are encouraged to regularly check updates from health officials. For more detailed information, visit the CDC’s website.

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