The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has announced an expanded recall of all ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that poses serious health risks to infants. This recall affects both the 24-ounce cans and 0.6-ounce individual-serve packets, prompting immediate action for parents and caregivers who may have these items in their homes.
Infant botulism, while rare, can have devastating consequences. The DOH emphasizes the urgency of this situation, as symptoms can escalate quickly. Affected infants may experience constipation, poor feeding, and respiratory difficulties. Parents who have recently fed their infants ByHeart formula are advised to monitor their children closely for any signs of illness.
Local retailers, including Target and Safeway, are collaborating with the DOH to remove the affected products from their shelves. This proactive measure follows an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into ByHeart’s infant formula, highlighting the serious nature of the contamination risk.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled items are instructed to dispose of them immediately. To ensure safety, all feeding supplies that may have come into contact with the formula should be sanitized using hot, soapy water.
For further assistance, the DOH recommends that parents and caregivers contact ByHeart Inc. directly at [email protected] or by calling their 24/7 hotline at 1-833-429-4327. The company is prepared to provide additional guidance and information regarding refunds for the recalled products.
The DOH’s swift response aims to protect the health of infants throughout Hawai‘i, reinforcing the importance of monitoring food safety in such vulnerable populations. Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and informed during this recall situation.
