A baby nutrition company has announced a voluntary recall of its powdered infant formula following notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about an ongoing investigation into a nationwide outbreak of botulism, including two suspected cases in Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) on Saturday issued an advisory to parents and guardians recommending that they not use the formula ByHeart.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, botulism is caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves and causes muscle weakness. It can be life-threatening.
Common signs and symptoms include difficulty swallowing; muscle weakness; drooping eyelids; blurry vision and difficulty breathing.
The two Illinois infants who have the symptoms both consumed powdered infant formula from ByHeart. That same formula has been linked to suspected botulism cases in 12 states.
All lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition powdered infant formula now recalled, Illinois health officials announced on Nov. 12.
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula remains available for sale online and at major retailers nationwide but constitutes only 1% of the baby formula market.
IDPH indicated the recall was not expected to create any shortage for infant formula.
Additional details regarding the investigation may be found on FDA’s webpage as well as CDC’s webpage, including guidance for businesses, clinicians and parents/guardians.
(This story has been updated with new information.)
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois health officials recommend parents halt use of recalled infant formula
Reporting by Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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