Botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart Infant Formula reaches 51 cases

(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart infant formula has now reached 51 cases across 19 states.

ByHeart voluntarily recalled all its baby formula products after tests suggested potential contamination with the bacteria that causes botulism.

A law firm has filed a lawsuit against ByHeart on behalf of nearly 30 families affected by the outbreak. One Southern California mother says her five-month-old son became ill in March after consuming the formula. She says the recall did not happen for another eight to nine months, and wishes it had been issued sooner to prevent other families from experiencing similar issues.

ByHeart posted a statement on its website urging parents to stop using their products immediately while the company continues investigating the root cause of the potential contamination.