Canadian officials have issued a warning urging the public to avoid consuming the recalled ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula due to possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum, which has been linked to infant illnesses in the U.S. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has stated that the affected products may pose a safety risk due to the potential presence of the harmful bacteria.
Reports from state officials in Oregon, Minnesota, and Arizona indicate that the recalled product is still being found on store shelves in the U.S. following a recall on November 11 that was recently updated. Federal health officials in the U.S. have disclosed that over 30 infants have fallen ill after consuming the contaminated formula.
ByHeart, a company that produces the infant formula, confirmed the presence of Clostridium botulinum through tests conducted by an independent food safety laboratory based in the U.S. This bacterium produces toxins that can cause severe illness in babies under the age of one. ByHeart has informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the findings but did not specify the number of samples tested or the number that tested positive.
The CFIA’s warning on November 14 highlights two recalled ByHeart baby formula products available in 680-gram and 238-gram sizes that may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. In the U.S., at least 31 babies in 15 states have been hospitalized and treated for infantile botulism since August after consuming ByHeart formula. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.
In Canada, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of ByHeart products, according to the CFIA alert. The agency advises consumers to seek medical attention if they suspect illness from the affected products, check for any contaminated items, and refrain from using or distributing them as they may appear normal but still carry health risks.
Symptoms of botulism in infants can take up to a month to manifest and include constipation, weak cry, drooping eyelids, and difficulty feeding or breathing. In adults, symptoms may involve facial paralysis, difficulty swallowing, and blurred vision. It is crucial for individuals with ByHeart products at home to discontinue use, label them as “DO NOT USE,” and retain them for testing if needed in case of symptoms developing.