A manufacturer known for marketing its baby formula as made from the “cleanest ingredients” has issued a nationwide recall following a concerning outbreak of infant botulism. The outbreak, initially reported over the weekend, now involves 15 infants across 12 states, all hospitalized but with no fatalities so far.

California health officials, who first identified the outbreak, linked the cases to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria responsible for botulism, in leftover samples of the product. The California Department of Public Health emphasizes that the outbreak is unusual and highlights the importance of strict quality controls in infant foods.

Experts warn that even formulas claiming to be “pure” can pose risks if contamination occurs during production. According to food safety specialists, rigorous testing and transparent supply chains are essential to prevent such outbreaks.

This incident raises questions about the safety standards of “clean label” products and underscores the need for vigilance when choosing infant nutrition. Health officials advise parents to consult with healthcare providers if they have concerns about formula safety.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.