STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — ByHeart, a baby nutrition company, is recalling five batches of baby formula due to a potential health risk, according to a notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The company is recalling 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 recalled is the ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, Milk Based Powder with Iron for 0-12 Months in 24-ounce containers. It was distributed directly to consumers in the United States and can be identified by the number on the bottom of the can, with expiration dates of Jan. 1, 2024, and July 1, 2024.
Recalled product batches include: 22273 C1, 22276 C1, 22277 C1, 22278 C1, and 22280 C1.
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. The bacteria may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood, according to the recall notice.
The company hasn’t received any consumer complaints that would indicate any illness, to date. If a baby has already consumed all of the formula, there is no reason for concern and no additional action is needed, the FDA notice stated. If parents have any questions, they should consult with their pediatrician.
If your infant is experiencing symptoms related to Cronobacter infection, contact your health-care provider to report the symptoms and receive immediate care.
ByHeart is taking this precautionary measure, because one test sample collected from the third-party packaging facility tested positive for the bacteria. All items packaged that day, and the first production on the next day, were isolated for destruction and not distributed.
Consumers can visit byheart.com/notices with additional information about the measures being taken. If you have any other questions, please email [email protected] or text ByHeart at 1-909-506-2354. The company will also be reaching out directly to all customers via email who purchased orders from the identified batches.