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In a concerning development out of Chicago, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a recall of certain powdered infant formula batches following reports of botulism symptoms in local babies.
According to health officials, two infants in Illinois showed symptoms after consuming ByHeart powdered infant formula.
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The department strongly advises parents and caregivers to refrain from using the affected ByHeart infant formula until further information is provided, as stated in their health alert.
The recall specifically targets two lots of ByHeart’s Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, identified as follows:
Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 (Expiration: December 1, 2026)
Lot: 206VABP/251131P2 (Expiration: December 1, 2026)
Botulism, as explained in the health alert, is a serious condition caused by a bacterial toxin, leading to potentially severe symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, and digestive issues. The bacteria can thrive in foods that appear and taste normal, making it impossible for consumers to detect the threat unaided.
The recalled formula was linked to suspected botulism cases in ten states, IDPH said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) are also investigating.