Outbreak Sparks Widespread Recall: ByHeart Baby Formula Bottles Under Scrutiny Amid Botulism Cases
A nationwide alert has been issued for parents to stop using ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula following an alarming botulism outbreak that has left 15 infants hospitalized, including one in Pennsylvania and another in New Jersey. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the cause of the contamination.
The recall comes as a result of reports by the FDA, which revealed an increase in infant botulism cases to 84 nationwide since August. Preliminary lab results indicate that bacteria producing botulism toxin were found in an open can of ByHeart formula fed to a baby who developed botulism. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is supporting the ongoing investigation and urging parents and caregivers to discard all ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula cans and Anywhere Packs.
Parents are warned about the symptoms of infant botulism, which include choking during feeding, constipation, weaker suck or poor feeding, eyelid drooping, lack of facial expressions, weaker crying, and muscle weakness. The condition can be fatal if left untreated, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
While ByHeart formula makes up less than 1% of the market, the FDA has assured that it will not cause a shortage. However, parents are urged to take immediate action and seek medical attention if they notice any of these symptoms in their babies.
ByHeart President Mia Funt emphasized the company's commitment to protecting infant safety, stating that "the safety and well-being of every infant who uses our formula is, and always will be, our highest priority." The company has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the outbreak, aiming to provide clear information to parents.
A nationwide alert has been issued for parents to stop using ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula following an alarming botulism outbreak that has left 15 infants hospitalized, including one in Pennsylvania and another in New Jersey. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the cause of the contamination.
The recall comes as a result of reports by the FDA, which revealed an increase in infant botulism cases to 84 nationwide since August. Preliminary lab results indicate that bacteria producing botulism toxin were found in an open can of ByHeart formula fed to a baby who developed botulism. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is supporting the ongoing investigation and urging parents and caregivers to discard all ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula cans and Anywhere Packs.
Parents are warned about the symptoms of infant botulism, which include choking during feeding, constipation, weaker suck or poor feeding, eyelid drooping, lack of facial expressions, weaker crying, and muscle weakness. The condition can be fatal if left untreated, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
While ByHeart formula makes up less than 1% of the market, the FDA has assured that it will not cause a shortage. However, parents are urged to take immediate action and seek medical attention if they notice any of these symptoms in their babies.
ByHeart President Mia Funt emphasized the company's commitment to protecting infant safety, stating that "the safety and well-being of every infant who uses our formula is, and always will be, our highest priority." The company has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the outbreak, aiming to provide clear information to parents.
what's going on with this ByHeart formula? I mean, 15 infants hospitalized and it's just because of some bacteria in a can?! Can't we trust these big companies more? 
The FDA is saying it's less than 1% of the market but that doesn't make me feel any better... what if my baby uses that stuff?! 
At least they're being transparent about the investigation and apologizing, so that's something, I guess 
. But seriously, how can we be sure our babies are safe when there's a chance some bacteria could sneak in? 
15 infants hospitalized is way too many 
. hope they find out what's causing the contamination and fix it ASAP 
gotta be a lot of pressure on the company, but at least they're taking responsibility and investigating it thoroughly 
I mean I know it's easy for us to freak out and call for a recall but can you imagine having to worry about your own baby?! 
15 kids in the hospital is already too many, let's hope no one has to say goodbye to their little one 
. I'm so glad ByHeart is taking responsibility and investigating this ASAP 
, gotta keep those little ones safe! 
I'm low-key freakin' out rn... This ByHeart baby formula recall is NO JOKE! 
I mean, who wants to be on the safe side when it comes to their little ones? I'm all about being cautious here. 
The symptoms are super scary too... poor little babies just need their formula to survive and now they gotta deal with this?! 
It's like a nightmare come true! 
. It's like they're waiting for us to panic so we'll drop the formula anyway. I swear, these recalls are just a nightmare 
i mean idk if u know but botulism is super serious rn and it just happened in 15 babies 
my sister had a friend whose niece had to go on medikation for that and its like super scary 
anyway cdc and fda r on the case so lets all hope they find out what went wrong ASAP 
Anyway, I just want to make sure all these babies are safe and sound now. This has been super worrying! 
. Parents need to be extra careful with their little ones' formula, you never know what could happen 
ByHeart needs to be super transparent about what went wrong and how they're gonna fix it.