Federal and state health officials are currently investigating 13 cases of infant botulism across 10 states, all connected to baby formula that is being recalled. ByHeart Inc. has agreed to voluntarily recall two specific lots of their Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, according to a statement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Reports indicate that all 13 infants who were affected required hospitalization due to the consumption of the formula from two particular lots: 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2. The states involved in these reported cases include Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported so far.
The FDA is currently investigating the contamination to ascertain how it occurred and to determine if any other products have been impacted. The recalled formula, which is available online and in major retail stores, comprises about 1% of nationwide formula sales as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Consumers who have purchased the recalled formula are advised to take note of the lot number if possible and to discard or return the product to the store where it was purchased. Additionally, the CDC recommends that individuals clean any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with the affected formula using a dishwasher or hot, soapy water. Parents are urged to seek immediate medical attention if their infants exhibit symptoms such as poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expression after consuming the recalled product.
Infant botulism results from a bacterium that produces toxins in the large intestine, and its symptoms can take weeks to develop, making vigilance crucial. As of now, a spokesperson for ByHeart has not provided any further comment regarding the situation.
Reports indicate that all 13 infants who were affected required hospitalization due to the consumption of the formula from two particular lots: 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2. The states involved in these reported cases include Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported so far.
The FDA is currently investigating the contamination to ascertain how it occurred and to determine if any other products have been impacted. The recalled formula, which is available online and in major retail stores, comprises about 1% of nationwide formula sales as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Consumers who have purchased the recalled formula are advised to take note of the lot number if possible and to discard or return the product to the store where it was purchased. Additionally, the CDC recommends that individuals clean any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with the affected formula using a dishwasher or hot, soapy water. Parents are urged to seek immediate medical attention if their infants exhibit symptoms such as poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expression after consuming the recalled product.
Infant botulism results from a bacterium that produces toxins in the large intestine, and its symptoms can take weeks to develop, making vigilance crucial. As of now, a spokesperson for ByHeart has not provided any further comment regarding the situation.
