The number of hospitalized infants has risen amid a recall for ByHeart baby formula connected to a botulism outbreak.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a Wednesday, Nov. 26, press release, that it is investigating a multi-state outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, which has left 37 infants hospitalized.
Illnesses began on Aug. 9, and 17 states have since been affected. No deaths have been reported at this time.
PEOPLE did not immediately receive a response from ByHeart.
“The safety and well‑being of every infant who uses our formula is, and always will be, our highest priority,” Mia Funt, co-founder and president of ByHeart, said in a statement on Nov. 11.
“This nationwide recall reflects our commitment to protecting babies and giving families clear, actionable information. Alongside this recall, we are conducting a comprehensive investigation to do our part to get the answers parents expect and deserve,” Funt added.
On Wednesday, the FDA said it received reports that the recalled formula was still being found on store shelves in multiple states, including Walmart, Target and Kroger locations. The organization also named Sprouts Organic Market, Safeway, Acme, Jewel-Osco, Albertson’s, Whole Foods, Wegman’s and Publix locations, among others.
“All ByHeart infant formula products have been recalled, and these products should not be available for sale in stores or online. This includes all formula cans and single-serve ‘anywhere pack’ sticks,” the FDA said.
ByHeart, which refers to itself as “a next-generation baby nutrition company,” said it is
Infant Botulism Cases Increase to 37 amid Outbreak Linked to ByHeart Baby Formula
