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A close-up of a blue plastic scoop holding powdered infant formula above an open metal container filled with the same powder, with a blue lid placed beside the container.
Tamer Soliman/istockphoto

More than 10 children have been hospitalized with infant botulism stemming from an outbreak tied to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. So far, no deaths have been reported. Here’s what we know.

Which Baby Formula Was Recalled?

A container of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula with a purple lid and matching scoop. The label highlights benefits like easy digestion, immune support, and brain & gut health. The container holds 24 oz (680 g) of formula.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Two different lot codes of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula were recalled:

  • Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 (Use by 01 Dec 2026)
  • Lot: 206VABP/251131P2 (Use by 01 Dec 2026) 

Which States Have Reported Cases of Infant Botulism?

A blue map of the United States showing all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, outlined with white borders on a white background. No labels or additional markings are present.
Pavlo Stavnichuk/istockphoto

The outbreak has been reported in the following 10 states:

  • Arizona
  • California (2 cases)
  • Illinois (2 cases)
  • Minnesota
  • New Jersey
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Texas (2 cases)
  • Washington

What Is Infant Botulism?

A woman sits indoors, gently holding and comforting a baby on her shoulder. She kisses the baby’s head, and both appear calm. A plant and a lamp are visible in the softly lit background.
Mother holding a baby and kissing it on a head

Infant botulism is an illness that occurs in babies when they ingest certain bacteria (called clostridium botulinum), and it creates a toxin inside them. Usually, only babies under a year are susceptible. According to the CDC, it can cause constipation, weak muscles, and trouble breathing, and can be fatal.

What Should I Do if I Have the Affected Formula? 

A close-up of the bottom of a metal can with text printed on it: "USE BY 01 DEC 2026 BYHEART 206VABP 13:59:01 251261P2." The can is placed on a cardboard surface.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration

If you have the formula, throw it away immediately. Contact a doctor right away if you suspect your baby might be affected.

If you are a physician and you suspect your infant patient might be affected, call 510-231-7600 for case consultation immediately, available 24/7.

More recall news:

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Pavel Muravev/istockphoto

Meet the Writer

Wilder Shaw is a staff writer at Cheapism who has written for publications like The Washington Post, Thrillist, Time Out, and more, but you most likely recognize him as Trick-or-Treater No. 2 from a 1996 episode of “The Nanny”. Give him a shout on Bluesky and Instagram.