Multistate Infant Botulism Outbreak Associated with Powdered Infant Formula

20260 citationsJournal Article

Authors

Connie H. Chung · California Department of Public Health

Jason R. Barash · California Department of Public Health

Jacquelin L. Castonguay · California Department of Public Health

Claire Penzel-McNamara · California Department of Public Health

Katie Yen Lee · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Jennifer S. Read · California Department of Public Health

Kerry A. Padgett

Abstract

AbstractThis report details the identification of an outbreak of infant botulism linked to powdered infant formula in the United States. In October 2025, the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, California Department of Public Health (IBTPP-CDPH) noted common powdered infant formula exposure among three neonates with suspected infant botulism. Subsequent laboratory analyses at CDPH identified <i>Clostridium botulinum</i> type A from an open container of ByHeart powdered infant formula associated with one infant with infant botulism. As of December 10, 2025, 51 suspected or confirmed infant botulism cases with exposure to ByHeart powdered infant formula had been identified across 19 states. All ByHeart powdered infant formula has been recalled nationwide.

Topics & Keywords

Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders Enterobacteriaceae and Cronobacter Research Dysphagia Assessment and Management

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good health and well-being

Publication Details

Published in: NEJM Evidence

Volume 5, Issue 4, pp. EVIDpha2600020-EVIDpha2600020

DOI: 10.1056/evidpha2600020

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