Ohio State helps families navigate formula recall linked to infant botulism

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A rare but serious outbreak of infant botulism linked to powdered formula is prompting swift action from experts at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and Ohio State University Extension.

ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula is now under nationwide recall. It’s the first time powdered infant formula has been implicated in an infant botulism case, said Nicole Arnold, assistant professor and food safety field specialist with OSU Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm.

“While infant botulism itself is rare, it poses a life-threatening risk to infants under 1 year old,” Arnold said. “That’s why communicating the facts and preventive steps quickly clearly during this ongoing recall and clearly is so important right now for families and caregivers.”

Unlike foodborne botulism in adults, infant botulism typically develops when spores of Clostridium botulinum are ingested and begin to grow inside a baby’s digestive system. Heating the formula doesn’t destroy the spores, and symptoms can appear gradually — often beginning with constipation or difficulty feeding, Arnold said.

What families need to know

The recall affects all sizes and lot numbers of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Families should stop using the product immediately and sanitize all feeding items and surfaces that might have come into contact with the formula.

Symptoms of infant botulism can include:

• constipation
• poor feeding
• loss of head control
• trouble swallowing

“If your child has consumed ByHeart formula and is showing any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately,” Arnold said. “Early intervention can be life-saving.”

At this time, no other formula brands have been linked to the outbreak, and experts emphasize the importance of seeking reliable, science-based information.

“It’s critical for the public to rely on trusted sources and not spread rumors that might cause unnecessary panic,” she said.

Due to the ongoing recall, all ByHeart formula should no longer be available in stores.

The Ohio Department of Health has posted statewide alerts and official recall notices for ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula on its food safety website, providing instructions for families and health professionals on identifying the product and disposing of it safely.

With educators embedded in every county, OSU Extension is working to ensure that all Ohio families, even those without consistent internet or TV access, are informed.

“Our Extension specialists are a vital link, filling gaps in federal communication that sometimes occur during fast-moving emergencies,” Arnold said.

Resources and updates are being shared through local Extension offices, social media and direct outreach. Extension educators are also helping parents understand how to properly sanitize baby bottles, nipples and other feeding supplies — key steps in protecting infant health.

Up-to-date guidance on symptoms, cleaning protocols and recall information is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Local OSU Extension offices can also assist and connect families to resources.

As this recall continues, Arnold said CFAES and OSU Extension remain focused on protecting health through education and outreach rooted in science.

“Our role is to help Ohio families stay informed and safe,” she said. “This situation is a reminder of why trusted, local sources of food safety information are so important.”