Recall initiated for formula linked to infant botulism in California, 9 other states

Published: Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 7:56 am

Baby Formula Recall Underway After Infant Botulism Cases

Federal and state health authorities are investigating a cluster of infant botulism cases linked to a specific brand of baby formula. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of two lots of ByHeart Inc.'s Whole Nutrition Infant Formula following reports of illness in infants across multiple states.

Thirteen infants in ten states have been hospitalized after consuming formula from the affected lots: 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2. The states impacted include Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported.

The FDA is actively investigating the source of the contamination and whether other products may be affected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the recalled formula accounted for approximately 1% of national formula sales.

The CDC is advising consumers who purchased the recalled formula to record the lot number before discarding or returning the product. They also recommend thoroughly cleaning any items or surfaces that came into contact with the formula using a dishwasher or hot, soapy water. Parents are urged to seek immediate medical attention if their infant consumed the recalled formula and exhibits symptoms such as poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expression. Infant botulism is caused by a bacterium that produces toxins in the large intestine, and symptoms can take weeks to appear.

BNN's Perspective:

This recall underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols in the production and distribution of infant formula. While the relatively small market share of the affected product may limit the overall impact, the potential for serious illness in infants necessitates a swift and thorough investigation. The FDA's prompt action and the CDC's clear guidance are crucial in mitigating the risks and protecting vulnerable populations.

Keywords: baby formula, recall, infant botulism, FDA, CDC, ByHeart, Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, contamination, health, safety, infants, Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, symptoms, investigation

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