Inspectors Target Distressed Food Sales (Image Credits: Foodsafetynews.com)
Michigan – State agriculture inspectors have repeatedly located recalled ByHeart infant formula for sale at surplus food outlets despite a nationwide recall issued last fall.[1][2]
Inspectors Target Distressed Food Sales
Officials from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reported discoveries of the product at discount, salvage, and outlet stores statewide. These locations often sell near-expiration items, dented cans, damaged packaging, or overstock from traditional supermarkets. The formula also appeared in liquidation boxes distributed by reclamation food handlers and later placed on shelves.[1]
Inspectors addressed the violations directly with retailers and distributors. Jennifer Bonsky, director of the Human Food Division, stated, “Keeping our infants safe and healthy is paramount. Our inspectors have addressed these critical safety issues with specific retailers and distributors where problems have been found.”[1] She highlighted the absence of a uniform tracking system for reclaimed products, urging extra vigilance at such stores.
Outbreak Linked Formula to Serious Illnesses
Federal health agencies traced a multistate infant botulism outbreak to ByHeart Whole Nutrition powdered infant formula contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 28 cases and identified 20 probable ones, affecting infants in 17 states including Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.[3][4]
All 48 affected infants required hospitalization and treatment with BabyBIG antitoxin, though no deaths occurred. Illnesses began as early as December 2023 and continued through November 29, 2025. Laboratory tests matched the bacteria from patient samples, formula batches, and ingredients like organic whole milk powder.[3] This marked the first U.S. outbreak of botulism attributed to infant formula.
Recall Expanded Rapidly Nationwide
ByHeart initiated a voluntary recall of two specific lots on November 8, 2025, following FDA notification of potential risks. Three days later, on November 11, the company expanded it to all products, including every lot of formula cans and single-serve “anywhere pack” sticks sold online, in major retailers, and internationally.[3]
The products represented about 1 percent of the U.S. infant formula market. Federal officials issued warnings to retailers like Walmart for delays in removal. Even after the CDC declared the outbreak over on February 26, 2026, root cause investigations persisted, focusing on manufacturing and supply chain issues.[4]
Symptoms Demand Prompt Action
Infant botulism develops when C. botulinum spores colonize an infant’s immature gut and produce neurotoxins. Symptoms emerge over weeks and include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, weak cry, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, and reduced facial expression. Progression can lead to breathing difficulties requiring ventilation.[3]
- Constipation often appears first.
- Poor sucking or feeding follows.
- Loss of head control signals advancement.
- Seek emergency care immediately upon notice.
- Early antitoxin treatment improves outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Discard any ByHeart formula immediately, regardless of expiration.
- Monitor infants exposed to it for delayed symptoms.
- Report findings to local health departments.
Parents and caregivers must dispose of any remaining product and clean contact surfaces thoroughly. Retailers face mandates to remove and destroy recalled items. Though no new cases have emerged since December 2025, vigilance remains essential to protect the most vulnerable. What steps have you taken to check your baby’s supplies? Share in the comments.
