Kankakee, IL – Health officials are warning Illinois parents to check their baby formula after ByHeart Inc. issued a recall linked to a multistate infant botulism outbreak. The recall, announced November 8, affects two lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula that may contain Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria capable of producing a dangerous toxin.
According to the CDC and FDA, 13 infants across 10 states have been hospitalized with symptoms consistent with botulism. No deaths have been reported, but two of those cases involve Illinois infants, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
The recalled formula includes:
- Lot 206VABP/251261P2 (“Use by 01 Dec 2026”)
- Lot 206VABP/251131P2 (“Use by 01 Dec 2026”)
Officials urge parents to stop using the recalled formula immediately and either discard it or return it to the retailer. Items or surfaces that came in contact with the product should be washed with hot, soapy water.
Infant botulism symptoms can appear slowly over several weeks and may start with constipation, difficulty feeding, or a weak cry. Parents who notice these signs should seek medical attention right away.
Clinicians are advised to contact the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program at 510-231-7600 for consultation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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