Overview
- Federal officials say 23 infants in 13 states have suspected or confirmed infant botulism linked to ByHeart powdered formula, and all were hospitalized with no deaths reported.
- The company expanded its action to a nationwide recall of all unexpired powdered cans and single-serve packs, and regulators have not identified other formula brands connected to the outbreak.
- California lab testing found Clostridium botulinum in an opened can used to feed a sick infant, while authorities say no unopened cans have tested positive to date.
- Legal fallout is escalating, with at least five lawsuits filed and parents in Arizona and Kentucky alleging the product caused their babies’ illnesses, as customer anger grows online.
- Donation channels are under scrutiny after thousands of cans went to programs serving unhoused and at‑risk families, and Canada’s food-safety agency warned consumers against certain ByHeart products sold online.