FDA sends warning letters to retailers for selling recalled baby formula linked to botulism outbreak

"The US Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to Target, Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons after some of the stores failed to remove recalled baby formula linked to a large infant botulism outbreak. The FDA said it communicated with the retailers about the recall repeatedly, even sending several emails requesting plans of action to comply with the recall, but none of the companies responded to the request."

""Food safety is a shared responsibility, and it is of utmost importance that all parties in the supply chain act swiftly and vigilantly to protect our nation's children from unsafe food," FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said in a statement. The recall of ByHeart infant formula products started November 8 and was expanded three days later to include all ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products."

"Infant botulism is a rare but potentially deadly infection that can happen after a baby ingests Clostridium botulinum bacteria spores. The bacteria then colonize the intestinal tract and produce neurotoxins that can lead to constipation, weakness, breathing problems and even respiratory arrest. An infant with botulism can also stop feeding well, have problems with swallowing and lose control of their head. In a typical year, fewer than 200 cases are reported in the US."

FDA issued warning letters to Target, Walmart, Kroger (including King Soopers and Smiths), and Albertsons (including Star Market, Jewel-Osco, Acme, Safeway and Shaw's) after some stores failed to remove recalled ByHeart infant formula. FDA repeatedly requested plans of action from those retailers but received no responses. The recall began November 8 and expanded November 11 to include all ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products. As of December 10, 51 children from 19 states have suspected or confirmed infant botulism after exposure; all were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. ByHeart plans a rigorous audit of its product development chain. The outbreak investigation remains ongoing.

Read at 6abc Philadelphia