Concerns grow over ByHeart infant formula after botulism cases reported
Cases of potentially deadly botulism in infants linked to ByHeart infant formula are increasing, prompting state officials to report that the recalled product remains available on some store shelves, reports BritPanorama.
Investigators in at least three states identified ByHeart formula for sale a week after the New York-based company issued a nationwide recall of all products. The formula’s availability in retail outlets has raised alarm among health officials.
Federal health officials stated that at least 31 babies across 15 states have been hospitalized for infantile botulism after consuming ByHeart formula since August. The affected infants, aged between two weeks and six months, have seen their most recent case reported on November 13. Fortunately, no fatalities have been confirmed.
In Oregon, authorities found nine cans of the formula still on shelves at over 150 stores checked this week. Minnesota inspected 119 locations between November 13 and November 17, removing recalled products from four sites. An Arizona health official also noted the product’s presence was discovered.
Officials in Minnesota urged businesses and consumers to remain vigilant, stating, “No affected product should be sold or consumed.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently conducting inspections at ByHeart manufacturing plants in Allerton, Iowa, and Portland, Oregon, though no findings from these inspections have been disclosed as of yet.
ByHeart representatives have indicated that they voluntarily recalled their products “in close cooperation” with the FDA despite no unopened ByHeart product testing positive for the spores or toxins regarded as responsible for infant botulism.
Previously, California officials confirmed that the type of bacteria responsible for the illness was found in an open can of ByHeart formula that had been fed to an infant who then developed botulism.
Infant botulism is a serious condition characterized by paralysis and can be fatal. It results from a type of bacteria that produces spores which can germinate in an infant’s intestines, developing toxins that affect the nervous system. Symptoms may take up to 30 days to appear and can include constipation, poor feeding, weakness, and respiratory difficulties.
ByHeart had been producing around 200,000 cans of formula monthly, sold both online and in stores like Target and Walmart. A Walmart spokesperson confirmed that following the recall, the company promptly prohibited the sale of the formula, removed it from shelves, and informed customers who may have purchased it. Consumers can return the product for a refund; it retailed for approximately $42 per can.
Health officials express concern that some parents may still possess ByHeart products at home. They recommend ceasing usage of any cans and single-serve sticks, marking them “DO NOT USE,” and retaining them for at least a month to monitor for any adverse symptoms in infants, as the formula may need testing if symptoms arise.
The California health department manages the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, responsible for tracking cases and providing treatment. They have established a public hotline, available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, which has already received hundreds of inquiries from concerned parents and caregivers.
This ongoing situation highlights the necessity of vigilance in safeguarding infant health and the efficacy of swift regulatory actions in addressing food safety concerns.
