The Pennsylvania Department of Health is alerting families and health-care providers to a statewide advisory following a recall of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula tied to a growing investigation into infant botulism. The warning, issued November 13, comes after the company recalled all lots of its formula on November 11 at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
According to the state advisory, the recall is related to an ongoing FDA investigation into a recent outbreak of infant botulism. This rare but potentially life-threatening illness affects babies under one year of age. The illness can cause constipation, poor feeding, a weak cry, drooping eyelids, and progressive muscle weakness. Without timely treatment, infant botulism can lead to serious complications.
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula was distributed nationwide through the company’s website and major retailers including Amazon, Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods, Target and SamsClub.com. Families using the product are urged to stop feeding it to infants immediately and follow recall instructions provided by the company and the FDA.
Health officials emphasized the importance of rapid medical consultation if infant botulism is suspected. Providers are advised to contact the California Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, which accepts calls 24 hours a day at 510-231-7600. The state alert notes that California’s BabyBIG, an immune globulin treatment, is recommended for confirmed or suspected cases and is available through that program.
All suspected cases must be reported to the Department of Health or local health officials. The state’s reporting line can be reached at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
Source: PA Dept of Health