ByHeart formula botulism outbreak grows to 15 infants in 12 states; two lots recalled
The outbreak linked to ByHeart baby formula has grown to at least 15 infants in 12 states, with nine confirmed cases of infant botulism type A and six additional cases pending, and two lots of the formula recalled. Preliminary testing found bacteria that produce botulism toxin in an open can fed to an ill infant â a California bioassay sickened mice quickly â and ByHeart is urging testing of unopened recalled cans while the FDA investigates; officials say at least 84 U.S. infants have been treated for botulism since August.
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Public Safety
đ Key Facts
- Outbreak increased to at least 15 infants sickened across 12 states (up from 13 in 10 states); nine cases of infant botulism type A have been confirmed and six additional cases are pending confirmation.
- California officials said a sample from an open can fed to an ill infant contained bacteria that produce botulism toxin; in a bioassay Dr. Erica Pan reported mice became sick quickly.
- ByHeart urged families to have unopened cans from the recalled batches tested to provide clearer evidence about possible contamination.
- California officials reported that at least 84 U.S. infants have been treated for botulism since August.
- The FDA is investigating whether additional botulism cases are linked to ByHeart formula.
đ° Sources (2)
At least 15 infants sickened by baby formula-linked botulism, officials say
New information:
- Case count increased to at least 15 infants sickened across 12 states (up from 13 in 10 states).
- Nine cases of infant botulism type A confirmed; six additional cases pending confirmation.
- California officials said a sample from an open can fed to an ill infant contained bacteria that produce botulism toxin, and Dr. Erica Pan noted mice in the bioassay became sick quickly.
- ByHeart urged testing of unopened cans from the recalled batches to provide clearer evidence for families.
- California officials said at least 84 U.S. infants have been treated for botulism since August; FDA is investigating whether additional cases are linked to ByHeart formula.