US EditionCases Jump to 23 in the Botulism Outbreak Tied to Baby Formula. Here's What to Know
The FDA is investigating 23 cases of infant botulism linked to ByHeart formula, with nearly two dozen infants hospitalized across 13 states since August.
- Health officials warn parents and caregivers to watch Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alerts, as infant formula can become contaminated by Clostridium botulinum spores during storage or contact.
- Infant botulism affects infants younger than 6 months when Clostridium botulinum spores grow in the intestines, producing toxins; antibiotics are ineffective but most recover with supportive care.
- Hospital data show nearly all hospitalized infants need supportive treatments including ventilators and feeding tubes, with symptoms ranging from constipation to floppiness and recovery taking weeks to months.
- Caregivers should check manufacturers' websites and use the production date and lot number on bottom of the can, then consult pediatricians and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates.
- Prevention advice notes honey is a known source of spores and should be avoided for children under 12 months, while environmental dust and food manufacturing facilities also pose contamination risks.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Cases jump to 23 in the botulism outbreak tied to baby formula. Here’s what to know
Nearly two dozen babies in 13 states have been sickened in a growing outbreak of infantile botulism linked to recalled ByHeart infant formula, federal health officials said Friday. The U.S. Food an…
Cases jump to 23 in the botulism outbreak tied to baby formula. Here's what to know
Nearly two dozen babies in 13 states have been sickened in a growing outbreak of infantile botulism linked to recalled ByHeart infant formula, federal health officials said Friday. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported 23 cases of confirmed or suspected illness in babies who consumed ByHeart formula since August. That's an increase of 10 babies treated [...]
What to know about infant formula and botulism
Parents want to feed their children the very best, and for those who rely on formula for their infants, the number of choices on store shelves can be overwhelming. But no matter the brand, protein source or nutritional content, parents and caregivers need to be mindful of alerts and recalls related to botulism outbreaks. Botulism is caused by toxins produced by the spore-forming bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Food items, such as canned f…
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