The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned major retail stores in the country over the sale of a formula milk, which is suspected of causing an outbreak of infant botulism.
It comes after a growing concern has emerged in the US regarding a harmful illness in newborns, linked to a particular infant formula.
According to the FDA, by December 10, 51 cases of suspected or confirmed infant botulism were reported across 19 states, all related to this specific formula.
As a result, all affected infants were hospitalized, though no fatalities have been reported. The investigation into this outbreak is ongoing.
The FDA issued warning letters to several prominent retail stores, including Costco, Walmart, Target, and Albertsons, as they were selling the formula that had previously been recalled. The recall was prompted by solid evidence connecting the formula to the outbreak of infant botulism.
The affected formula is produced by ByHeart has been linked to the spread of infant botulism. The company announced last month that it had voluntarily recalled all of its infant formula products, including both cans and single-service sticks.
What is Infant Botulism?
Infant botulism is a rare but extremely serious illness that occurs when an infant ingests bacterial spores of Clostridium botulinum.
These bacteria produce toxins in the intestines, leading to symptoms such as constipation, severe weakness, breathing difficulties, trouble feeding, and inability to control the neck and head. In some cases, it can cause respiratory failure.
Typically, fewer than 200 cases of infant botulism are reported annually in the U.S., making this outbreak highly unusual.
