Recalled infant formula linked to more than two dozen cases of botulism remains on store shelves across multiple states, despite a nationwide recall issued last week.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, two families have filed federal lawsuits against ByHeart after their infant daughters contracted botulism from the company’s recalled baby formula, ByHeart Whole Nutrition.
The New York-based manufacturer recalled its entire product line on November 11, but earlier this week, state investigators found ByHeart products still for sale in stores in Oregon, Minnesota, and Arizona, raising concerns about the enforcement of the urgent recall.
Parents may unknowingly purchase contaminated formula that should have been removed from circulation.
Federal health officials confirmed 31 infants across 15 states have been hospitalized with botulism since August. The babies range in age from 2 weeks to 6 months. No deaths have been reported. The most recent case emerged on November 13.
Oregon officials checked over 150 stores this week; Nine still had recalled formula on shelves. Minnesota investigators conducted 119 checks between November 13 and 17 and removed products from four locations.
“No affected product should be sold or consumed,” Minnesota officials warned in a statement.
ByHeart voluntarily recalled all products nationwide “in close cooperation” with the FDA after California officials confirmed the presence of botulism bacteria in an opened can. The formula had been fed to an infant who developed the illness.
On November 19, ByHeart reported that a third-party lab had detected Clostridium botulinum in an unopened can of the product.
Infant botulism causes paralysis and can be fatal. Bacteria spores germinate in babies’ intestines, producing dangerous toxins. Symptoms may take 30 days to appear. Warning signs include constipation, poor feeding, weak crying, and drooping eyelids.
Affected babies develop limb weakness and feel “floppy.” Some struggle with swallowing or breathing.
ByHeart produced approximately 200,000 cans monthly before the recall—the formula sold for about $42 per can at Target, Walmart, and online retailers.
Walmart quickly restricted sales and notified customers who purchased the product. The company offers full refunds at any store location.
Health officials worry parents may still have recalled formula at home. They advise consumers to stop using all ByHeart products immediately. Parents should mark containers “DO NOT USE” and retain them for one month. Testing may be needed if symptoms develop.
California operates a specialized botulism treatment program tracking cases nationwide. Officials launched a public hotline at 833-398-2022 for concerned parents. The hotline operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pacific time. Health officials have fielded hundreds of calls to date.
FDA investigators inspected ByHeart manufacturing plants in Iowa and Oregon, but no inspection results have been released.
The outbreak underscores persistent challenges in infant formula safety. Parents face difficult choices amid ongoing supply concerns and safety recalls.