Pasadena, CA - In an urgent public health notification, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is advising local residents to immediately discontinue the use of ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula. This notice follows the actions of Pasadena retailers who have swiftly pulled the product line from their shelves, including both the formula cans and "anywhere pack" sticks. The city's health alert comes in response to a multistate outbreak of infant botulism with reported cases linked to the consumption of ByHeart formula.
With 31 infants hospitalized across 15 states and no reported deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alongside the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the California Department of Public Health Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, are rigorously investigating the situation. Although no cases have surfaced in Pasadena, the Department is taking every precaution to prevent to possibly avoid any local incidents.
Infant botulism is identified by symptoms like constipation, weakened or abnormal crying, feeding difficulties, loss of head control, and diminished facial expression, all signs of muscle weakness caused by botulinum toxin produced by intestinal spores. The illness can escalate to respiratory failure if not treated immediately. Dr. Parveen Kaur, Acting Health Officer, underscored the urgency in a statement: "Seek immediate medical attention if your baby consumed ByHeart formula in the past 30 days and shows poor feeding, difficulty swallowing, weaker facial expressions, or loss of head control," emphasizing the need for prompt medical intervention.
Parents and guardians who have used the implicated formula should observe their infants for any symptoms of the illness for 30 days after the last exposure. They are also advised to "securely store the leftover formula away from other food and label that product as DO NOT USE" in case the formula requires testing later. This is according to the health guidelines released by the City of Pasadena. If no symptoms manifest after the monitoring period, the remaining formula should be safely discarded, and utensils and surfaces thoroughly cleaned.
If symptoms that point towards infant botulism, such as feeding reluctance, loss of muscular coordination, or overall weakness, are observed, immediate action is critical. In such cases, dialing 9-1-1 or visiting the nearest emergency room is vital for the infant's health. For the latest updates from the City of Pasadena, individuals can follow their official communications on various social media platforms or call the City Service Center during business hours for assistance.
