The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working with other state health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multi-state outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. CDPH is helping these groups find and track cases.
Important: No other formula brands are linked to this outbreak. Infant formula is still considered safe.
What is infant botulism?
Infant botulism happens when a baby swallows or breathes in spores (tiny cells) from a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Inside the baby’s body, the spores can grow and make a toxin that causes illness.
Symptoms include:
- Trouble feeding or sucking
- A weak cry
- Less facial expression
- Trouble holding up their head
- Weak muscles
- Constipation
What should parents know and do?
- Stop using ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula right away.
- If your baby has symptoms or you’re worried, contact your baby’s doctor immediately.
- If your baby shows symptoms after using ByHeart formula, take a photo of the package, including the brand and lot number if you still have it.
- For more information about what to do with leftover formula go here
- Symptoms may appear quickly or take up to 30 days. Watch your baby closely if they used ByHeart formula.
- If your baby seems healthy, there is no medical reason to test or treat them, even if they drank the recalled formula. Still, keep an eye on them for 30 days. If anything seems unusual, call your doctor.
- If you have questions, call the confidential, toll-free Infant Botulism Outbreak Hotline at 1-(833) 398-2022 (open 7 days a week, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Pacific Time).
CDPH resources for more information:
- CDPH Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program California Launches Public Hotline to Help Answer Questions on Infant Botulism
- Infant Botulism Frequently Asked Questions
- Statement from CDPH Director Dr. Erica Pan on Infant Botulism Investigation Update
- Materials in Spanish: If your programs would like Spanish materials including WhatsApp resources, let us know by contacting: [email protected]
Materials in Spanish:
If you need Spanish materials, including WhatsApp resources, contact: [email protected]
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