Urgent Recall: Baby Formula Linked to 13 Botulism Cases Across 10 States

UPDATE: Federal and state health officials have launched an urgent investigation into 13 cases of infant botulism linked to baby formula, prompting a recall of specific products by ByHeart Inc.. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed this alarming news on Saturday, revealing that the contaminated formula was distributed across 10 U.S. states.

Infants in Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington have been hospitalized after consuming formula from the two recalled lots: 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2. While there have been no reported fatalities, the situation remains critical as health authorities work to determine the source of contamination.

The FDA is investigating how the contamination occurred and whether it has impacted other products. The recalled formula accounted for approximately 1% of national formula sales, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Parents are advised to check their supplies and take immediate action if they have purchased the affected lots.

The CDC urges consumers to record the lot number before disposing of or returning the recalled formula to retailers. Additionally, they recommend thoroughly cleaning any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the formula using a dishwasher or hot, soapy water.

Parents should be vigilant for symptoms of infant botulism, which can take weeks to manifest. Warning signs include poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expression. If any of these symptoms occur after consuming the recalled formula, parents should seek medical attention without delay.

In this developing situation, health officials stress the importance of monitoring infants closely. The CDC’s guidance emphasizes that early intervention can be crucial in managing potential cases of botulism.

As this story unfolds, more updates are expected from health authorities. Stay informed and share this critical information with others to ensure the safety of all infants.