From 15 to 23 Cases: ByHeart Infant Formula Outbreak Shows How Quickly Safety Signals Escalate

A total of 23 infants in the US have been diagnosed with suspected or confirmed botulism tied to ByHeart powdered formula, an outbreak that began with 15 cases earlier this month and quickly escalated, triggering a nationwide recall and raising concerns over federal food safety response. (Credit: Pexels/FDA/CDC)

At least 23 infants across the United States have now been diagnosed with suspected or confirmed cases of botulism linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition powdered infant formula. The outbreak, which began with 15 cases earlier this month, has escalated rapidly, prompting a nationwide recall and renewed scrutiny of the federal government's ability to respond to foodborne illness.

Escalation of Cases