The New York State Department of Health has issued a warning to parents and caregivers about the voluntary recall of certain ByHeart powdered infant formula products. The recall comes after a multistate outbreak of infant botulism, with 13 cases reported in 10 states. No cases have been confirmed in New York, but health officials are monitoring the situation closely.
ByHeart, based in New York City, distributed the affected formula nationwide. According to health authorities, contamination of powdered infant formula is uncommon; however, Clostridium botulinum spores can cause serious illness in infants under one year old.
Dr. James McDonald, State Health Commissioner, stated: “Protecting infants and young children from preventable illness is our highest priority. We urge parents and caregivers to immediately stop using any recalled formula and follow the FDA’s instructions for safe disposal or replacement. While no cases have been reported in New York State, the Department is closely coordinating with FDA, CDC and local health departments to ensure New York families remain safe and informed.”
Symptoms of infant botulism may include constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, weak cry and muscle weakness. Parents are advised to seek medical attention if these symptoms appear.
The Department is increasing surveillance for potential cases and working with clinical laboratories as well as the Wadsworth Center—New York’s public health laboratory—to support testing efforts.
On average each year, between one and four cases of infant botulism are reported in New York State outside New York City.
For details on affected lots or instructions for disposal or replacement of recalled products, consumers can check the FDA recall webpage at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/byheart-voluntarily-recalls-five-batches-its-whole-nutrition-infant-formula-powder-due-possible-health. Additional information about infant botulism can be found on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/index.html.
