WYOMING — A brand of baby formula sold in the state has been recalled following an outbreak of infant botulism, according to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA).
ByHeart Infant formula products have been linked to an outbreak of the disease causing illness in “multiple regions of the country,” WDA shared in a news release. The formula might be contaminated with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.
“Parents and caregivers should stop using any ByHeart infant formula products immediately,” WDA said in a statement. “If your child consumed ByHeart formula and is experiencing symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. If your child consumed ByHeart formula and is not currently showing symptoms, continue monitoring them and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.”
Symptoms of infant botulism can include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control and difficulty swallowing, which WDA says can lead to difficulty breathing and respiratory arrest. It can take weeks for symptoms to develop following formula ingestion.
WDA said it is contacting stores in Wyoming to have the formula removed from shelves. Anyone who has the formula at home is advised to take a photo of the information on the bottom of the package, to keep the container in a safe place and to label the product with “DO NOT USE.” The state health department might want to collect formula containers for testing if symptoms occur. If the child does not develop symptoms after 30 days, throw the container out, the agency said.
“The recall and investigation is ongoing and more information can be found on the investigation through the FDA or CDC websites.”
