Significant Infant Botulism Cases Prompt Recall of Baby Formula

Tue Nov 11 2025 09:31:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Federal and state officials are investigating 13 cases of infant botulism linked to two lots of baby formula, leading to a recall by ByHeart Inc. Health authorities urge vigilance and proper cleaning protocols for families affected.

Thirteen infants across ten states have been hospitalized due to infant botulism linked to recalled Whole Nutrition Infant Formula from ByHeart Inc. The FDA is investigating the contamination while urging consumers to check lot numbers and clean surfaces thoroughly. Although the formula represents a small percentage of national sales, parents are advised to monitor their infants for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.

Federal and state health officials have launched an investigation into 13 cases of infant botulism that have emerged in 10 states, all linked to a baby formula that is currently being recalled. The company responsible, ByHeart Inc., has agreed to recall two specific lots of their Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, as confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Saturday.

All affected infants required hospitalization after consuming formula from the recalled lots: 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2. The cases have been reported in Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.

The FDA is currently investigating how the contamination occurred and whether it impacted any other products. The recalled formula, primarily available online and through major retailers, accounts for an estimated 1% of national baby formula sales, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Consumers who purchased the recalled formula are advised to take note of the lot number before discarding the product or returning it to the point of purchase. The CDC recommends that families use either a dishwasher or hot, soapy water to thoroughly clean any surfaces or items that came into contact with the formula.

Parents should also be alert for any signs of illness in their infants who consumed the recalled product—including poor feeding habits, loss of head control, difficulty with swallowing, or diminished facial expressions—and seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms arise.

Infant botulism results from a bacterium that produces toxins in the large intestine, and symptoms can take weeks to manifest, which requires parents to remain vigilant. As of now, a representative from ByHeart has not yet responded for further comments regarding the situation.