Representative Rosa Delauro (D-CT03) has introduced the Infant Formula Safety Modernization Act into Congress in the wake of the ByHeart formula botulism outbreak. The Act is intended to close gaps in testing, transparency, and regulatory enforcement. In that outbreak, at least 48 infants were sickened with a botulism infection. All were hospitalized and all were treated with BabyBIG®, the FDA-approved treatment for this infection that was developed by the California Department of Health. And in 2022, Abbott Nutrition's facility in Sturgis, Michigan shut down after a Cronobacter outbreak. A huge recall of Abbott's products triggered a shortage of infant formula in the United States. DeLauro said in a statement, "“The food we give our babies must meet the highest standard of … [Read more...]
Recalled ByHeart Infant Formula Still For Sale in Michigan
Recalled ByHeart Infant Formula is still for sale in Michigan, which is against the law, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The formula has been found for sale at distressed food handlers locations across the state. Those locations include discount, salvage, or outlet stores that sell food removed from traditional supermarkets usually due to issues such as being near expiration dates, dented cans, damaged packaging, or overstock. All of the ByHeart Formula products were recalled when an infant botulism outbreak was linked to those items. ByHeart found Clostridium botulinum in the whole milk powder used to make the formula. Jennifer Bonsky, Human food Director, said in a statement, "Keeping our infants safe and healthy is paramount. … [Read more...]
ByHeart Formula Infant Botulism Outbreak Ends With 48 Sick
The ByHeart formula infant botulism outbreak has ended with 48 sick, according to the CDC. This outbreak case count has been confusing from the beginning. In the last update issued on December 11, 2025, there were allegedly 51 babies sick. And the FDA update lists 28 sick. But the FDA numbers include 28 cases of confirmed botulism, 20 cases of probable botulism, and three cases of infants who were eventually diagnosed with another illness. The CDC counts all illnesses except those diagnosed with something else. The last update also included 19 states, but the state count hs been reduced t0 17. One thing remains true: all ByHeart infant formulas were recalled as a result of this outbreak. The final case count by state is: Arizona (5), California (12), Idaho (2), Illinois (2), … [Read more...]
ByHeart Botulism Outbreak Strain Found In Whole Milk Powder
The ByHeart botulism outbreak strain has been found in a sample of organic whole milk powder used to make the infant formula, according to the FDA. The outbreak strain was also found in a closed product sample of the formula obtained by the FDA. The outbreak strain is Type A. The case count has not changed since December 15, 2025. The case count by state is: Arizona (5), California (12), Idaho (2), Illinois (2), Kentucky (1), Massachusetts (2), Maine (1), Michigan (1) Minnesota (3), North Carolina (2), New Jersey (1), Ohio (1), Oregon (4), Pennsylvania (1), Rhode Island (1), Texas (8), Virginia (1), Washington (2), and Wisconsin (1). The infants range in age from 16 to 264 days. Illness onset dates range from December 24, 2023 to December 1, 2025. All of the infants were treated … [Read more...]
Number 5 Outbreak of 2025: ByHeart Infant Formula Botulism
The number 5 outbreak of 2025 is the Byheart infant formula botulism outbreak that is still ongoing. There are at least 51 infants in 19 states who have been sickened in this outbreak; all have been hospitalized. The case count by state is: Arizona (5), California (12), Idaho (2), Illinois (2), Kentucky (1), Massachusetts (2), Maine (1), Michigan (1) Minnesota (3), North Carolina (2), New Jersey (1), Ohio (1), Oregon (4), Pennsylvania (1), Rhode Island (1), Texas (8), Virginia (1), Washington (2), and Wisconsin (1). The infants range in age from 16 to 264 days. Illness onset dates range from December 24, 2023 to December 1, 2025. All of the infants were treated with BabyBIG®, the FDA-approved treatment for this infection developed by the California Department of Health. The FDA … [Read more...]
