BOISE, ID – The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) has confirmed that an Ada County infant was hospitalized with suspected botulism connected to a nationwide recall of ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula.
According to DHW, this is the only reported case in Idaho linked to the ongoing national outbreak, which remains under investigation by state and federal health agencies. The recalled formula had been sold both online and in stores across Idaho before being pulled from circulation.
State epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said infant botulism is rare but can worsen quickly, making awareness critical for parents and caregivers. “We want parents and caregivers to know that we are working closely with our federal partners to understand the extent of this outbreak and ensure that affected products are removed from circulation,” Hahn said. “If your baby has consumed this formula, please watch for symptoms and seek medical care right away.”
Infant botulism occurs when Clostridium botulinum spores grow in a baby’s intestinal tract and produce a dangerous toxin. Symptoms may appear anytime from 18 hours to 30 days after ingestion and may include constipation, poor feeding or difficulty swallowing, weak facial expressions, and loss of head control.
DHW advises families to immediately stop using any ByHeart infant formula products and take the following precautions:
- If a child consumed the formula and shows symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
- If no symptoms are present, continue monitoring for 30 days.
- Wash surfaces and items that may have come into contact with the formula.
- Save the container and record its lot number and best-by date. Health officials may request the container for testing if symptoms develop.
- Dispose of the product after 30 days if no symptoms occur.
DHW is coordinating response efforts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Idaho’s seven public health districts as the investigation continues.
Details about the national recall and outbreak can be found on the FDA’s website.
