Story perspectives

Botulism Outbreak Linked to ByHeart Infant Formula Recall

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Two suppliers provided dried milk powder linked to a botulism outbreak in ByHeart infant formula, affecting 51 babies across 19 states.
Organic West Milk Inc. from California supplied the milk, which tested positive for botulism bacteria, but owner Bill Van Ryn stated this does not confirm his product as the outbreak source.
The FDA is investigating, and ByHeart has recalled all its products after tests revealed a genetic match between the bacteria in the milk powder and samples from a finished can of ByHeart formula and a sick baby.
Botulism spores are common in the environment but pose a higher risk to infants.

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Story summary

Two suppliers provided dried milk powder linked to a botulism outbreak in ByHeart infant formula, affecting 51 babies across 19 states.
Organic West Milk Inc. from California supplied the milk, which tested positive for botulism bacteria, but owner Bill Van Ryn stated this does not confirm his product as the outbreak source.
The FDA is investigating, and ByHeart has recalled all its products after tests revealed a genetic match between the bacteria in the milk powder and samples from a finished can of ByHeart formula and a sick baby.
Botulism spores are common in the environment but pose a higher risk to infants.