Copyright Staten Island Advance
A baby formula recall has been expanded after two more infants were hospitalized this week connected to a botulism outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration and public health officials in several states have been investigating a botulism outbreak linked to formula — which has led to a recall of products from ByHeart Inc. ByHeart initially recalled two batches of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. After two more infant hospitalizations were reported in the United States this week, ByHeart Inc. recalled all ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula products on Tuesday. There are now 15 reported cases — which were all hospitalizations — across 12 states. The CDC urged parents and caregivers to stop using any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula immediately. This includes all lot numbers and all sizes of cans and single serve packets. The baby formula is available for sale online and at major retailers nationwide. Infant botulism occurs when swallowed spores from a type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum infects a baby’s large intestine and produces a toxin. Infant botulism often starts with constipation, but is usually first noticed as difficulty feeding (sucking and swallowing), a weak and altered cry, and loss of muscle tone, according to the CDC. What parents should do Parents and caregivers should not use any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula. If possible, record the lot number and best by date. Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the formula with hot soapy water or a dishwasher. Seek immediate medical care if your infant has consumed this formula and has any of these symptoms: Poor feeding Loss of head control Difficulty swallowing Decreased facial expression “Symptoms of infant botulism can take as long as several weeks to develop, so parents should remain vigilant if they used ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula,” stated the CDC. Consumers with questions can contact ByHeart at hello@byheart.com, visit byheart.com, or call 1-833-429-4327.
