IDPH Health Advisory

IDPH Health Advisory

Department recommends parents halt use of recalled ByHeart infant formula until further notice after two Illinois infants show symptoms consistent with botulism

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing an advisory to parents and guardians recommending that they not use recalled powdered infant formula called ByHeart, after the product has been linked to suspected cases of botulism in two Illinois infants and children and in several other states.

On November 8, 2025, ByHeart Inc. recalled two lots of Whole Nutrition Infant Formula:

• Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 ("Use by 01 Dec 2026")
• Lot: 206VABP/251131P2 ("Use by 01 Dec 2026")

Other lots of this infant formula continue to be investigated in relation to this outbreak and further notice regarding additional lot numbers will be issued based on the results of the investigations. ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula remains available for sale online and at major retailers nationwide but constitute only 1% of the baby formula market. Therefore, this recall is not expected to create any shortage in access to infant formula.

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

The two Illinois infants who have those symptoms both consumed powdered infant formula from ByHeart. That same formula has been linked to suspected botulism cases in ten states.

Additional details regarding the investigation may be found on FDA's webpage as well as CDC's webpage, including guidance for businesses, clinicians and parents/guardians.

IDPH is working with other states and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) on the investigation.