2 lots of ByHeart baby formula recalled in US after infant botulism outbreak in 10 states

WASHINGTON – Baby formula manufacturer ByHeart agreed to recall some of its powdered formula after 13 infants were diagnosed with botulism after consuming the product.

US’ Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating 13 reported cases of infant botulism and hospitalisations in 10 states. All the babies affected consumed the American brand’s powdered infant formula. 

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Infant botulism can lead to breathing difficulties and muscle paralysis and require weeks of hospitalisation, according to the CDC.

Although it can be fatal, there are treatments for the toxin. There are no reported deaths from this outbreak.

FDA and CDC officials said they are testing leftover formula to investigate the origin of the contamination. ByHeart agreed to recall two lots of the formula that are suspected to be contaminated.

Ms Mia Funt, ByHeart’s co-founder and president, said: “While no testing by ByHeart or regulatory agencies has confirmed the presence of Clostridium botulinum spores or toxin in any ByHeart product, we are taking this proactive step to remove any potential risk from the market and ensure the highest level of safety for infants.”

The ByHeart formula is advertised as being the “closest-to-breast-milk patented protein blend and made with organic, grass-fed whole milk”, according to the firm’s website.

Infant botulism cases linked to this outbreak have been reported in Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington, the FDA said.

The recall includes two lots of the powdered formula by the lot codes 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2. BLOOMBERG