Baby formula recalled after Illinois infants have botulism symptoms, health department says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Batches of powdered infant formula were recalled after babies in Illinois showed botulism symptoms, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced Saturday.

Two infants in Illinois consumed ByHeart powdered infant formula, IDPH said.



"IDPH urges parents and guardians to avoid using the recalled ByHeart infant formula till further notice," a health alert read in part.

IDPH said ByHeart Inc. recalled two lots of Whole Nutrition Infant Formula on Saturday.
Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 ("Use by 01 Dec 2026")
Lot: 206VABP/251131P2 ("Use by 01 Dec 2026")



"Botulism is an illness caused by a bacterial toxin, which can produce life-threatening symptoms including muscle weakness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress," the health alert read. "Botulism can be in foods that look and taste normally, which means consumers cannot inspect food on their own for botulism safety."



The recalled formula was linked to suspected botulism cases in ten states, IDPH said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) are also investigating.