by San Francisco, CA – The number of infant botulism cases associated with ByHeart baby formula has risen to 31 across 15 states, prompting ongoing concerns as recalled products continue to be found on store shelves. Despite a nationwide recall issued by ByHeart in early November, investigators have discovered the formula still available in retail locations, raising alarms among health officials and parents.
Federal health authorities report that since August, infants between 2 weeks and 6 months old have been hospitalized and treated for infantile botulism after consuming ByHeart formula, though thankfully, no fatalities have been reported so far.
Ongoing Retail Presence of Recalled Product
State officials have uncovered ByHeart formula on shelves weeks after the recall announcement. In Oregon, inspections of more than 150 locations found the formula still for sale in nine stores. Similarly, Minnesota state investigators removed the recalled product from four of 119 checked stores, and Arizona officials also reported availability in some retail outlets.
- ByHeart’s recall: Nationwide and voluntary, issued in close cooperation with the FDA.
- Retail locations affected: Target, Walmart, and online sales.
- Price point: Approximately $42 per can.
Minnesota officials warn: “No affected product should be sold or consumed,” urging vigilance from both businesses and consumers.
Understanding Infant Botulism and Symptoms
Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria spores germinating in a baby’s gut, producing a potent neurotoxin that can cause paralysis and even be fatal if untreated.
Symptoms, which can take up to 30 days to appear, include:
- Constipation
- Poor feeding
- Weak cry
- Drooping eyelids or flat facial expression
- Limb and head weakness causing “floppiness”
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
“Infant botulism can cause paralysis and death. Early recognition and treatment are critical,” emphasize public health experts.
Government and Manufacturer Response
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted inspections at ByHeart manufacturing plants in Allerton, Iowa, and Portland, Oregon, though no inspection results have been released to date.
ByHeart maintains that no unopened product has tested positive for botulism spores or toxins but voluntarily recalled their entire product line as a precaution.
Walmart’s reaction included:
- Issuing a sale restriction immediately after recall
- Removing products from shelves
- Notifying consumers who purchased the formula
- Offering refunds at any store location
Advice for Consumers and Caregivers
Health officials strongly advise parents and caregivers to:
- Stop using all ByHeart formula products immediately, including cans and single-serve sticks.
- Label any formula still in possession with “DO NOT USE.”
- Keep the product for at least one month in case symptoms develop and testing is required.
The California Department of Public Health operates the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program and has launched a public hotline at 833-398-2022, staffed daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. PST, to assist concerned parents and caregivers. This hotline has already fielded hundreds of inquiries.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing recall and investigation stress the importance of vigilance from both retailers and consumers. The FDA continues its scrutiny of the manufacturing processes, while state officials ramp up efforts to ensure recalled products are pulled from shelves.
For deeper insight and continuous updates, visit the original NBC News coverage here.
Your Voice Matters
What do you think about this recall and the risks associated with infant botulism? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
