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Parents Demand Answers as ByHeart Formula Sickens Babies
22 Nov
Summary
- Health officials are investigating over 30 infant botulism cases linked to ByHeart formula.
- Six California babies were treated for botulism months before the current outbreak.
- Parents of earlier sickened infants are seeking answers about the formula's safety.
Health authorities are probing over 30 infant botulism cases associated with ByHeart baby formula. Notably, six infants in California were diagnosed with botulism between November 2024 and June 2025, prior to the widely reported outbreak. Parents of these babies are seeking clarity on the timeline of investigations, emphasizing their children's illnesses predated the current surge.
Parents of at least five infants reported their babies were treated for botulism after consuming ByHeart formula in late 2024 and early 2025. They experienced months of uncertainty until ByHeart recalled all products nationwide on November 11, following the identification of bacteria in unopened formula samples.
Federal investigators acknowledge awareness of earlier cases but are currently prioritizing the extensive surge of infections documented since August 1. The rarity of such findings in infant formula raises concerns, as this is the first time powdered infant formula in the U.S. has tested positive for the bacteria causing botulism.
