Canadian officials are cautioning the public against consuming ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, which has been recalled due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum 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 because of the potential presence of the harmful bacteria.
Following a recall on November 11 that was updated recently, state officials in Oregon, Minnesota, and Arizona have reported finding the recalled product still on store shelves in the U.S. According to federal health officials in the U.S., more than 30 infants have fallen ill after consuming the formula, with tests conducted by a U.S.-based independent food safety laboratory confirming the presence of Clostridium botulinum.
ByHeart officials have acknowledged the findings and informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the situation. The company stated that it is actively investigating the issue and conducting ongoing testing to determine the source of contamination. The CFIA issued a warning on November 14, identifying two recalled ByHeart baby formula products that may be tainted with Clostridium botulinum.
In the U.S., at least 31 infants in 15 states who consumed ByHeart formula have been hospitalized and treated for infantile botulism since August, with no reported deaths. No illnesses linked to ByHeart products have been reported in Canada, as per the CFIA alert.
Consumers are advised by the CFIA to seek medical attention if they suspect illness from consuming the affected products, to check for recalled items, and to refrain from using or distributing them. Although food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum may not show signs of spoilage, it can still cause sickness. Infant botulism, characterized by paralysis and potentially fatal consequences, is caused by a bacteria that produces toxins in a baby’s gut.
The symptoms of botulism can take up to a month to manifest and may include constipation, weak cry, drooping eyelids, and difficulty swallowing. Adults may experience facial paralysis, difficulty swallowing, blurred vision, and other symptoms. It is important to note that botulism does not typically induce a fever. Health officials in the U.S. are urging individuals to cease using ByHeart products and to keep any remaining items labeled as “DO NOT USE” in case of symptoms developing in a baby, necessitating testing of the formula.