Infant Botulism Outbreak: ByHeart Baby Formula Recall in California

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Urgent Baby Formula Recall: ByHeart Linked to Infant Botulism Outbreak Across 10 States, Including California

Thirteen infants have been hospitalized as the FDA launches a full-scale investigation into a dangerous contamination. Here’s what parents need to know now.

A terrifying health alert has been issued for parents across the nation, including here in California, following a widespread baby formula recall.

The company ByHeart Inc. has pulled two lots of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula from shelves amid a growing infant botulism outbreak.

Federal health officials have confirmed that thirteen babies have been hospitalized across ten U.S. states after consuming the formula.

On November 8, 2025, ByHeart Inc. recalled two lots of Whole Nutrition Infant Formula:

Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 (“Use by 01 Dec 2026”)
Lot: 206VABP/251131P2 (“Use by 01 Dec 2026”)

States impacted by the outbreak include Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington.

This contamination represents a serious public health risk, prompting an immediate FDA investigation into how the formula became compromised.

Fortunately, no deaths have been reported, but all affected infants required hospitalization for treatment.

Infant botulism is a severe illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves, leading to muscle weakness and breathing difficulties.

Parents are being warned to watch for terrifying symptoms like poor feeding, a weakened cry, loss of head control, or difficulty swallowing.

Health agencies advise anyone who purchased the recalled ByHeart formula to stop using it immediately.

Officials recommend carefully recording the lot number before safely disposing of the product or returning it to the store.

It is crucial to thoroughly clean any surfaces, bottles, or items that may have come into contact with the potentially contaminated powder.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized that symptoms can take weeks to appear, urging parents to remain vigilant.

The ongoing FDA investigation aims to uncover the source of the contamination and determine if any other products are at risk.

This frightening outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our youngest residents and the importance of stringent food safety protocols.

What caused the ByHeart formula contamination?

The FDA is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact source and cause of the contamination. Details have not yet been released, but the focus is on the manufacturing process for the two recalled lots.

What are the symptoms of infant botulism?

Key symptoms include poor feeding, constipation, a cry that is weaker than usual, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing with excessive drooling, and overall muscle weakness or a “floppy” appearance. If you notice any of these signs, seek immediate medical attention.

What should I do if I have the recalled formula?

Immediately stop using the product. Check if the container has the lot number 206VABP/251261P2 or 206VABP/251131P2. If possible, record the number, then throw the formula away or return it for a refund. Thoroughly clean and sanitize all bottles and feeding supplies.