On the 11th of December, 2022, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced Byheart’s voluntary recall of their Infant Formula. The recall of Byheart’s Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, Milk Based Powder with Iron for 10-12 months, was initiated due to concerns of cross-contamination with the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) the bacteria Cronobacter may “cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine). Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths and abnormal movements. Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.”
The affected Byheart’s Whole Nutrition Infant Formula product, Milk Based Powder with Iron for 10-12 months, has an identification code on the bottom of the can. The recalled codes are as follows: 22273 C1, 22276 C1, 22277 C1, 22278 C1, and 22280 C1. The product has a Use By Date of 01/01/2024 and 07/01/2024.
Byheart released their official statement on December 11th, 2022, explaining that “Parents can remain confident in the safety of ByHeart’s products as we continue to expand our investments in infant formula innovation, clinical studies, and industry-leading quality standards. Our manufacturing facility in Reading, PA, continues to operate 24/7, and we are committed to providing you infant formula come January.” Byheart also informed consumers that while they work to meet the formula demand, “the fastest way we can replace the formula that you purchased is to cover the cost of two cans of alternate formula. Additionally, affected customers will receive two cans of their next order of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Formula for free. We will also be reaching out directly to all customers via email who recently purchased orders from ByHeart.”
Individuals who observe their infant experiencing the symptoms listed above, particularly after having consumed Byheart’s Whole Nutrition Infant Formula Milk Based Powder with Iron for 10-12 months, should contact their personal healthcare provider and public health authorities as soon as possible.
