ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula recalled due to infant botulism outbreak

Gino DeAngelis,
(RIDOH)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health said that ByHeart Inc. has recalled all ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula products due to a multistate infant botulism outbreak linked to the product.

RIDOH said that the recall was originally for two specific lots of the formula, but that reports from 12 states showed botulism infections from other lots.

The department gave the following guidance to parents and caregivers:

  • Stop using any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula immediately. This includes:  
    • All lot numbers
    • All sizes of cans and single-serve sticks
      • If possible, record the lot number and best by date.
      • If you have leftover ByHeart powdered formula that your infant was fed, keep it stored for at least a month. If your infant develops symptoms of infant botulism, RIDOH may want to collect it for testing. If no symptoms appear after a month, throw the leftover formula away.
  • Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
  • Seek immediate medical care if your infant has consumed ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula and has any of these symptoms:
    • Poor feeding
    • Loss of head control
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Decreased facial expression

Businesses were advised to no longer sell the formula and to wash and sterilize any items or surfaces that touched the product.

Additional information about the outbreak and infant botulism can be found on the CDC’s website.

Categories: News, Rhode Island

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