Champaign, IL – Parents across Illinois are being urged to check their pantries today after federal regulators expanded a nationwide recall of all ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) said the recall now includes every unexpired lot of ByHeart formula—both cans and single-serve “anywhere” packets—following additional suspected infant botulism cases reported in multiple states.
According to IDPH and the FDA, families who have ByHeart formula at home should stop using it immediately. Officials said infants who consumed the product may be at risk for botulism, a rare but serious illness that can cause constipation, poor feeding, weak cry, drooping eyelids, loss of head control, breathing difficulties, and in severe cases, respiratory arrest.
Health authorities are urging parents to photograph or record the product’s lot number and label the container “DO NOT USE.” Local or state health departments may request the product for testing as federal investigators continue to trace the source of contamination.
According to the FDA, parents should seek medical attention immediately if their child shows any symptoms associated with infant botulism. If a child remains symptom-free for 30 days after consuming the formula, families may safely dispose of any remaining containers.
The recall affects households statewide, including those in Champaign County, the broader Central Illinois region, and major metro areas such as Chicago and Springfield. Health officials are working to notify pediatricians, childcare centers, and retailers to increase awareness.
For the latest updates, families can visit the FDA’s outbreak investigation page.
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