ByHeart, a baby nutrition company, announced this week, that “out of an abundance of caution, it has chosen to voluntarily recall five batches of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula due to the potential for cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii.”
No distributed ByHeart product has tested positive for the bacteria.
The product being recalled is ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, Milk Based Powder with Iron for 0-12 Months in 24 oz containers. The formula under voluntary recall was distributed directly to consumers in the U.S. and can be identified by the number on the bottom of the can. Recalled product batches are 22273 C1, 22276 C1, 22277 C1, 22278 C1, and 22280 C1 printed with use by 01 JAN 24 or 01JUL 24.
Cronobacter bacteria can 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 company has not received any consumer complaints that would indicate any illness, to date; illness complaints are an early detection of safety concerns. If a baby has already consumed all of the formula, there is no reason for concern, and no additional action is needed. If parents have any questions, they should consult with their pediatrician.