The California Department of Public Health’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP) — a Heluna Health partner — played a critical role in identifying a recent cluster of infant botulism cases linked to powdered infant formula.
As reported by KTLA and Your Local Epidemiologist, the IBTPP team was the first to detect an unusual increase in infant botulism cases earlier this year. Testing by the state’s public health laboratory confirmed Clostridium botulinum—the bacteria that produce the toxin responsible for botulism—in a sample of ByHeart powdered formula.
Following this discovery, ByHeart Inc. announced a voluntary recall on November 8 of two lots of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula:
- Lot numbers: 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2
- Use by date: December 1, 2026
The formula was sold online through ByHeart’s website and in major retailers nationwide, including Amazon, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Kroger.
“Infant botulism is a very rare disease that occurs when babies inhale or swallow spores of the toxin-producing bacteria,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “We have tested a sample of the specific powdered infant formula linked with these cases and preliminary tests are positive. We are urging parents to stop using ByHeart formula immediately.”
Physicians treating possible cases can contact California’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program at (510) 231-7600 for clinical consultation and treatment guidance. Parents with concerns should seek medical attention right away.
CDPH’s IBTPP is the world’s only source of BabyBIG®, the lifesaving antitoxin used to treat infant botulism. Their early detection and rapid coordination with CDC helped identify the source and prevent further cases—protecting infants and families nationwide. Heluna Health is proud to partner with IBTPP in supporting this vital work in surveillance, prevention, and treatment of rare but serious illnesses.
